70th Anniversary of UGCC marked at Saltpond
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and key members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday converged on Saltpond in the Central Region to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), the first political party in Ghana, with a call on citizens not to underrate the critical role of the forebears in the pre-independence struggle.
Advertisement
It was the UGCC that turned the independence struggle into a political movement.
The Occasion was a memorial and thanksgiving service at which the former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Reverend Emmanuel Asante Antwi, who preached the sermon, urged that the modesty, self-sacrifice and commitment which led to the country’s independence should be lauded and we should not do anything to tarnish their image.
Solemnity
The solemn ceremony began exactly at 11:30 a.m. with the arrival of the President and his entourage.
The ancient chapel where the service was held was filled to capacity with a lot more people watching proceedings from mounted TV sets positioned at vantage points on the premises of the chapel.
The pictures of the Big six were displayed at the entrance of the building.
An early morning drizzle did not stop a massive attendance of the church service.
Scriptures
President Akufo-Addo read the first scripture from Isaiah Chapter 40:25-31, while the acting Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Freddie Blay, read the second scripture from Philipines 4:6-9.
Political bigwigs at the time, led by Dr J.B. Danquah, described as the doyen of Ghana politics, on August 4, 1947, announced the formation of the UGCC with the demand for “self-government within the shortest possible time.”
Most Rev. Asante Antwi said the forebears were practical and analytical in finding solutions to all challenges that confronted the country and underscored the need for “us to preserve their legacies.”
“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary, we must be circumspect in all our deeds and actions,” he said.
Touching on the need for the youth to exercise restraint in their endeavours, Rev. Asante Antwi bemoaned the activities of vigilante groups in the country and pleaded with the Invincible Forces to cease fire.
Free SHS
Most Rev. Asante Antwi commended the government for its commitment to begin the free Senior High School programme next month and stressed that the forebears were able to fulfil their vision primarily due to their concern and belief in education.
“Our forefathers were concerned about education. But for education they would not have been where they were,” he stressed.
Rev. Asante Antwi urged the government to expedite action on the oil find at Saltpond and expressed optimism that it would boost the economy of the area and the country at large.
Intercessory prayers were said for incorruptible leadership, quality education, job creation, unity and concensus building, as well as the building of a national cathedral.
