Ghana marks 59th milestone
Last Sunday, March 6, was a very significant and a happy day for every Ghanaian because it marked the 59th anniversary since the country attained independence from British colonial rule.
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Many of us have heard the story of the country’s struggle for independence. During the struggle, many of our forefathers lost their lives while others were detained in prison.
Indeed, March 6, 1957, when we had our independence, marked the end to all these struggles. No wonder, on the eve of independence, the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, standing on a podium at the old Polo Grounds in Accra, flanked by others, declared thus “at long last the battle has ended and Ghana our beloved country is free forever!”Oppressors rule in the country ended on March 6, 1957 and Ghana became the first black African country to become independent.
Why should we celebrate independence
We celebrate our independence day to signify our freedom. As a country, we are free and the democratic rights as citizens of Ghana are secured.
Again, it means that we have the right to choose our own government.
We celebrate the anniversary also to remember and pay our respects to those who led the struggle and lost their lives. That is why we cannot ignore the contributions of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who led the struggle as well as that of Dr Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Dr J. B. Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta, who together formed the Big Six.
We also remember the ex-servicemen, particularly Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey, who lost their lives during the 1948 riots in Accra. The 1948 riots marked the beginning of the process for independence.
Independence Day will always remain a memorable one for schoolchildren as it often affords them the opportunity to join their mates from other schools as well as the Security Services to be of service to the country with parades across the country.
Since 1993, the independence celebration has also been an occasion when the President awards scholarships to deserving Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduands. Other activities include an Open Day by the Ghana Armed Forces in all the Military Garrisons across the country and the Schools Debate.
The Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, was the special guest of honour for this year’s Independence Day celebration, which was on the theme, "Investing in the Youth for Ghana's Transformation".