President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to work relentlessly to promote the rule of law and entrench the democratic credentials of the nation.
He argued that the country cannot achieve prosperity without following the rule of law and emphasized the link between aspirations for prosperity and the discipline required for the rule of law.
The president made these remarks in his address at the 67th Independence Day parade held at Koforidua in the Eastern Region on Wednesday.
This year’s celebration, which was held under the theme “Our Democracy, Our Pride,” saw the highly anticipated displays and march by the security services and schoolchildren, as well as identifiable social groups.
The event, which was held at the Youth Resource Centre in Koforidua, was attended by over 15,000 spectators from all walks of life, including special guest of honour, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’Ivoire, the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, the second lady, Samira Bawumia, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, the leadership and members of parliament, heads of various security services, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps in Ghana, and the clergy, among others.
President Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech recounted the nation’s struggle for independence, achievements and challenges, as well as the expectations of the people after breaking from colonial rule.
He said more than a hundred years (100) of British rule had not prepared the nation in any way for democracy. Therefore, it was the responsibility of the people to continue to cherish the path the nation had taken, adhering to democratic tenets at all times to consolidate the gains made.
President Akufo-Addo assured Ghanaians that there are better days ahead after enduring challenging times and urged all to embrace the future instead of yearning for the good old days. He said that as long as there is poverty and injustice, there is more work to be done.
The president said the greatest challenge remains the provision of good-quality education to all of Ghana’s children and young people, adding that through the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, the government is removing financial barriers to education, unlocking the potential of thousands of young Ghanaians, and laying the foundation for a brighter future for the country.
Mr. Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian President, who was the special guest of honour for the commemoration, lauded Ghana for setting the pace for democratic governance in the sub-region.
Under the direction of the president, the Independence Day parade has been observed in other regional capitals outside Accra since 2018, with Tamale, Kumasi, Ho, Cape Coast and Koforidua taking turns to host the national parade.
This year’s event will be the final one for President Akufo-Addo as he wraps up his 2 terms as Head of State, which officially end on Jan 7, 2025.
