The spotlight was on the Black Star Square as President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered his speech along the theme of the celebration: “Ghana Beyond Aid”.

The Special Guest for the event was Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, who indicated his readiness to partner with Ghana to fight corruption in the two countries.

Once again, there were various display of dance and culture from different tribes, with several groups taking part in the March.

There were some sour spots with the Paramount Chief of Tatali Sanguli, Obori Gariba Yankoso II, together with his sub-chiefs of Tatali in the Northern Region, boycotting celebration.

The Paramount Chief accused the DCE of the area, Thomas Mbomba of disrespecting the traditional authorities hence their refusal to participate in activities.

Like most years, there were also instances of some students and other marchers fainting from heat exhaustion.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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“On a day such as today, our thoughts invariably stray to the past, but we do not intend to live on past memories. To paraphrase Ephraim Amu in Yen araasaaseni, it is now our turn to build on those past glories,” the President said in his speech at the Black Star Square today [Tuesday].

President Akufo-Addo reminded of Ghana’s heralded status as the Black Star of Africa and said: “at its birth, great things were expected of this nation of ours, and even greater things were expected of those who would have the honour to be called Ghanaians.”

But he conceded that the country has largely underperformed despite charting the path for other oppressed nations on the continent to gain independence.

It is in this light that he urged citizens to rise above mediocrity and strive to ensure Ghana sees substantial progress in the future.

“Even though underachievement may have been a major part of our history thus far, it should no longer be part of our destiny. The only nation we are destined to become is the one we choose and decide to be. We do not have to accept someone’s definition of Africa or of Ghana. We must define and craft our own destiny,” President Akufo-Addo said.

‘A Ghana beyond aid’

The theme for Ghana’s 61st independence celebration is “Ghana Beyond Aid”, and President Akufo-Addo held that this mantra will be key to changing Ghana’s destiny for the better.

“Achieving our destiny requires a deliberate, qualitative change in all aspects of our lives; especially, in the structure of our economy, the nature of our infrastructure, the education of our young people and acquisition of skills and above all, in our attitudes and holding firm to the values that define us.

“The change in our fortunes will only happen when our economies improve. Since I became President, I have been advocating for a Ghana, indeed, an Africa Beyond Aid, and I am keen to have the support of all of us in this enterprise,” he stated.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Time for Ghana to build on past glories – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.