Ghana at 52

52 Years ago, Osagyefuo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah stood amongst other learned Ghanaians and declared Gold Coast independent of British rule. In his exact words:

"...My Fellow Ghanaians, at Long last the battle has ended. Ghana, our beloved country is free forever...the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of Africa..."

I remember that statement from Social Studies in JSS. He wept as he made that statement; with his white handkerchief in his hand drying the tears off his face. There are rumors about that handkerchief but that is an issue for another day. Were Dr. Nkrumah's tears: tears of joy or he was weeping because of the task ahead? I guess we'll never know but it is a fair inference that it was a mixture of both. The statement mentioned above is as relevant today as it was some 52 years back.

After 52 years of independence, are we enjoying the freedom and justice that Dr. Nkrumah and his comrades fought for? I believe we are and I will like to include peace. After an election which can be described as the most tense, dramatic and democratic in the history of Ghana and African politics, we have a stable government in Ghana. The budget of this government read in Parliament yesterday has the theme "Investing in a Better Ghana".

The significance of this day is not realized amongst the Ghanaian youth today. To the ordinary Ghanaian youth especially those living abroad, it's a day to rave. I am not saying it is bad to rave and I entirely support the idea of celebrating independence through partying.

All I ask is for you to reflect over the peace enjoyed in Ghana; those who sacrificed their lives and property over the 52 years; those who took decisions and positions to establish the freedoms we enjoy now; the former presidents and leaders of the country as well as those who were and are in opposition; and finally if you have no idea how Ghana came this far, please 'google' and learn something about the struggle for independence.

So my fellow Ghanaians, I boldly say after 52 years of independence, in the fourth republic, freedom and justice truly exists in Ghana – an example being the recent electoral process including all the legal drama involved. And as far as I know, Ghana is the most peaceful nation on earth and the best place to be. I am proud to be Ghanaian. Happy Independence!!!