As Ghana marked its 67th year of independence, a question that ought to engage all Ghanaians is whether we should be in a festive mood to celebrate or cloak ourselves in moments of introspection, contemplating the struggles that have plagued our nation. Was our independence a milestone worth celebrating or has it metamorphosed into a mark of shame? Are we the architects of our own misfortune or victims of adverse circumstances? To forge a path forward, we must examine our past candidly, encapsulated in the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and acknowledge our present struggles.
Our liberation from colonial powers was spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who endeavored to navigate Ghana towards unprecedented growth and prosperity. His dream of an independent, self-sufficient Ghana was not merely aspirational, but anchored in pragmatic policies aimed at socio-economic development. Regrettably, the overthrow of Nkrumah’s government spawned an unfortunate cycle of coups, casting a long shadow over Ghana’s development trajectory.
Frequent power turnovers disrupted Nkrumah’s visionary agenda and left his development plans in disarray. The corrupt political elite, who seized power, pursued their self-interests with impunity, resulting in economic stagnation and institutional decay. Sadly, the common citizens bore the brunt of these egregious power plays and systemic failures, plunging many into an abyss of hardship.
Our post-colonial era epitomizes tragedy as it is replete with instances where the political elite, failing to learn from our chequered past, have endangered the prosperity of the nation. Their actions have translated into a deprivation of opportunities for Ghanaians, impeding our overall progress. One, therefore, might ask what wrong the citizens have done to warrant such hardship.
However, our narrative doesn’t merely end in regret for lost opportunities and consequences of bad governance. It also includes tales of resilience and indefatigable spirit of Ghanaians who, despite the adversities, strive to make the most of their circumstances. Citizens are tapping into innovation and entrepreneurship, and young leaders across various sectors are demonstrating a willingness to enact positive change.
Considerable strides in our democracy also reflect the relentless pursuit of progress. Independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and an environment that allows for the freedom of speech and assembly, are all achievements that deserve acknowledgment. Our vibrant civil society is working tirelessly to hold public servants accountable and is striving for transparency and probity.
However, the battle against the remnants of our turbulent past is far from over. Indisputably, better governance strategies and a commitment to sustainable development would enable us to realize our full potential. We must choose leaders who hold the common good above all else and invest in strengthening our institutions. Only a collective commitment to such transformation will nullify the infamous assertion of our Independence as a milestone of shame.
Conclusively, while we lament the opportunities lost, we should also celebrate our resilience and progress made against the odds. Yet, complacency should not replace the conscious effort required in correcting past mistakes. The 67th anniversary of our independence should resonate as a call to action, to challenge the status quo, and to strive for the Ghana that Nkrumah envisioned – prosperous, self-sufficient, and above all, united. With the lessons from our past as our guide, we can and we must rewrite our narrative from shame and mourning to remarkable transformation.
Cde. Haruna Zinentah
Diengbaala House -Samatigu
Sankana – NDK
Email: visionharuna@gmail.com
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