On Wednesday, 6th march 2024, Ghana celebrated its independence across the country under the theme ‘’Our Democracy, Our Pride’’. Annually, this historic event is celebrated to remind us of the struggles and the sacrifices our forefathers endured for us to attain independence from our colonial masters. The freedom, the democracy, and the peace we are experience is as a result of the legacy our forefathers left for us.
The event was graced by the presences of traditional and religious leaders, political, opinion leaders, heads of department, teachers, public and private sector workers, security services, students, farmers, artisans, traders, the media and the general public.
The Regional Minister, Dr. kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah who doubles as the member of parliament for the good people of Takoradi in his address made mention of the struggles and the sacrifices our forefathers went through for us to get where we are now. He emphasized that Ghana have come a long way and that this 67th independence Anniversary should remind us of our democratic values, the responsibilities bestows upon us, and collectively, envision the future we aspire to build.
Ghana is recognized as Africa’s beacon of democracy. It is however crucial for us to acknowledge that Ghana’s democratic history has relatively recent roots, emerging in the 20th century. The country’s journey towards democracy began with her independence from British colonial rule. Prior to gaining independence in 1957, Ghana, then known as Gold Coast was under British rule without any democratic system in place.
The Regional Minister also stressed that in the early 20th century, a nationalist movement led by Paa Grant, R.S. Blay, J.B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah (popularly called the Big Six) advocated for self-rule and democracy. This period witnessed the formation of political parties in the 1940’s and 1950’s, leading to Ghana’s independence on 6th March, 1957.
In a democratic system, power is decentralized, and Local Governance plays a crucial role in ensuring that our needs and interests are being addressed in a tailor-made fashion. Ghana’s Local Government system is arguably one of the best across the continent of Africa. Ghana continues to prioritize good governance and effective public administration at the grassroots level.
The Regional Minister made mention of how Government is always committed to uphold the principles of democracy. This assurance remains steadfast especially as we look ahead to December 7, 2024, a pivotal moment in our democratic calendar, the government reassures the nation of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, recognizing that the electoral journey is a shared one, and every eligible citizen must embrace the power vested in their vote. Trust in the electoral system is paramount, and the government is dedicated to upholding the integrity of the process, guaranteeing that every citizen’s voice is counted and respected.
It is worth noting that the responsibility to adhere to the principles of democracy is not confined to the realm of formal governance alone, or levels of governance. It is a duty that permeates our daily interactions, shaping the dynamics between individuals, organizations, and traditional structures. By upholding democratic tenets in our workplaces, communities, and traditional settings, we contribute to the harmonious fabric of a society founded on fairness, justice, and mutual respect.
The Regional Minister, Dr. kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah added that democracy is not a passive endeavor. It requires the active engagement of each citizen. Our pride in this democratic legacy must translate into a sense of responsibility. He cautioned that as citizens of this great nation, we hold the pen that writes the narrative of our collective destiny and that our voices be heard not only on Election Day but in the spaces where policies are shaped and decisions are made. Our democracy flourishes when we actively participate, question, and contribute to the discourse that shapes our nation’s trajectory.
Ghana witnessed a steady trend in socio-economic growth over the years. Government interventions such as trade liberalization and private sector participation have led to increased economic opportunities. Particularly, contributions from policies of the current NPP government and programmes like the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), support to People Living with Disabilities, One District-One-Factory, Planting for Foods and Jobs have all boosted socio-economic empowerment.
The Regional Minister addressing the people said our region is home to a wealth of untapped talent in various fields, from arts to entrepreneurship and innovation which presents the future of not only our economy, but also, the aspirations and dreams of our young people. You are the driving force of any nation’s development.
Innovative thinking, energy, and fresh perspectives can be harnessed to shape a brighter future for our region. Entrepreneurship, the spirit of starting and managing one’s own business, is a powerful avenue for young people to channel their creativity, ambition, and drive. He therefore encourages each and every one, especially the youth, to consider entrepreneurship in addition to their academic and other career paths you chosen, not only to seek employment, but also to help address local and global challenges. He implores the youth to have a red car mentality to spot opportunities and to create wealth for the development of the Western Region.
He added that the developmental projects of the Western Region, the transformative strides in development that are shaping the landscape of our communities. The government’s commitment to infrastructure projects, economic empowerment, and social welfare in the region is unwavering. New initiatives are unfolding, laying the groundwork for a region that thrives in all aspects.
In conclusion the Regional Minister said that despite the strides and the gains consolidated from our constitutional democratic journey, we must bear in mind that our democracy is a continuous work in progress. We must remain vigilant in safeguarding the principles and values that underpin our democratic system. We should continue to fight against corruption, promote good governance, and ensure the equitable distribution of resources.
The Regional Minister commended the Hon. MMDCEs and able Nananom, Security Agencies, Heads of Organizations and all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to ensuring Western Region’s development.