Mr Speaker, on 4th August 1947, the first political party—United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was formed at Saltpond in the Central Region. This political party was formed by patriots and nationalists, who by dint of hard work, sacrifice, dedicated service and commitment to the country, led the struggle that culminated in our independence on 6th March, 1957. These were individuals who felt they owed the country, and not the reverse, and sought to use every legitimate means to deliver the country and her people from oppression, despondency and servitude. Theirs
was a fight, not only for the present, but most importantly, for the future.
Mr Speaker, these selfless leaders had envisioned a future of hope, harmony and happiness; and to realise that they felt the need to harness the talents, skills and abilities of the people to benefit both the present and future generations. Mr Speaker, these leaders were our founders, foundation and future. Their struggles, toils and determination served as the foundation for the birth of the country on March 6, 1957, and the virtues they espoused— selflessness, sacrifice, patriotism were supposed to oil the foundation for a better future.
Mr Speaker, Nyarko (2017) observed that the independence of Ghana was not realised on a silver platter; as a matter of fact, it took years of struggle, pain, disappointment, betrayal, and even deaths before we were able to gain freedom from our colonial overlords—the British. The patriots who sacrificed their energy, resources, and lives deserve commendation, and must be celebrated.
Mr Speaker, this Statement is not being made to show the superiority of one individual over the other; neither is it being made to whittle down the contributions of any person
towards our freedom and the development of our motherland. Mr Speaker, this Statement is being made on this memorable day to enable us know our past heroes and how they contributed to our present state of development, and what we have to do differently to ensure a prosperous future. Ghana, our motherland, is a great land with beautiful people and extraordinary talents; it is a land of great opportunities, possibilities and resources. With our distinct diversities expressed in our ethnicities and cultures, we have the opportunity to overcome the impediments that have, over the years, derailed our efforts of enduring progress.
Mr Speaker, I am referring to poverty, diseases, hatred, selfishness, greed, corruption and other social vices. These are the obstructions that threaten our survival, and must be dealt with in unison to guarantee our socio-economic turnaround. Mr Speaker, our divisions are obvious, our differences are conspicuous, but what we need to acknowledge is that differences and diversities are needed for us to grow, to become better, and overcome our environment.
Mr Speaker, according to Nyarko (2017), during the era of colonial rule, our forefathers had differences, yet,
they came together to pursue a collective and worthy goal—the deliverance from colonial domination. Some had the vision, others pursued it, and others made it a possibility. We need to commend them all; they all deserve to be eked in gold in the annals of our history. Mr Speaker, the vision is not fully attained; we have to fully commit ourselves to it and ensure its achievement.
As our first President once said, “our independence is meaningless until it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.” This is the vision we have to accomplish, but in accomplishing it, we must understand that we cannot do so when divided; we cannot realise it when we allow excessive partisanship to take over our consciences and our obligation to produce a better and fulfilling future for the present generation and posterity.
Mr Speaker, in every society, community or country, “there were people who stood in the gap between the present and the future; these are individuals who wanted to leave an enduring legacy for posterity. These are people who came to the conclusion that they have to live for the future; never valued their existence until it was linked to the liberation of their people.
