The Bono East Regional Coordinating Council has marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration with inter-school sporting activities held at the Ohene Ameyaw Park in Techiman.
The event brought together basic school pupils from various circuits across the municipality who competed in football matches as part of activities to commemorate the country’s independence.
The celebration was attended by the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, the Member of Parliament for Techiman South, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, and the Techiman South Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Kwaku Adjei-Mensah.
Also present were representatives from the Bono East Regional and Techiman South Municipal Coordinating Councils, as well as members of the Techiman Traditional Council.
The event was chaired by the Bono East Council of State Member and Paramount Chief of Yeji, Pimapim Yaw Kagbrese V.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi said the celebration provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on Ghana’s journey while renewing their commitment to national development.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate our freedom but also to reflect on our journey as a people, our struggles and the hope that binds us together. Our theme this year, ‘Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,’ speaks volumes about our collective aspiration for a brighter future.” He stated.
He also paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers for their sacrifices in securing independence for Ghana.
“On this day, we remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers who fought valiantly for our freedom, unity, and the right to govern ourselves as a nation. Their dreams and sacrifices form the bedrock upon which our nation stands today.” He disclosed.
The Regional Minister further urged citizens to honor their legacy by working together in unity and diligence to advance national development.
“As we embrace the future, let us honor their legacy by committing ourselves to perseverance, unity, and hard work to ensure that our region and our nation continue to thrive.”
In an interview with the media, the Member of Parliament for Techiman South, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, called for a national conversation that goes beyond politics to accelerate Ghana’s development.
“So far, after 69 years of nationhood, we must assess where we are coming from, where we are today, and where we seek to go as a country. There have been various governments and politicians, and everyone has done their bit after our forefathers won independence for us. However, I can say today that at 69, some other countries appear to have done much more and continue to make greater progress.” He said.
According to him, Ghana must shift its focus from excessive partisan politics to constructive national dialogue aimed at driving development.
“We need to begin a national conversation as a country beyond politics. We must engage in nation-building discussions that go beyond political interests. For 69 years, we have largely been engaged in politics, and everyone has had the opportunity to experiment with leadership and see what they can do for Ghana.” He noted.
Hon. Korsah further stressed the need for Ghanaians to intensify their efforts and adopt a more unifying posture to transform the country’s fortunes.
“At this stage, we need to double our efforts and quicken our pace of work. We can only achieve this if we reduce excessive politics and adopt a more unifying posture, one that brings us together and engages our minds on what we must do to turn the fortunes of our country around.” He stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief of the Techiman Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, the Twimeahene of the Techiman Traditional Area and Sanaahene of the Techiman Traditional Council, Nana Ankama Frimpong, urged Ghanaians to remain united and protect the country for future generations.
“We all know the reason for our gathering today. Ghana is 69 years old after gaining independence, and it is a historic day for our motherland, Ghana.
“We cannot celebrate this day without remembering and honoring our forefathers who fought gallantly for our independence.” He said
Nana Ankama Frimpong stressed the need for citizens to safeguard the country, noting that the freedom Ghana enjoys today came at a great cost.
“I want to remind all of us that this is our country, which was bought with the blood of our forefathers. As such, we must protect the land at all costs, not only for our own benefit but also for generations yet unborn.” He told the gathering.
He further called on Ghanaians to put aside their political differences and work together towards national development.
“We should put aside our political differences and unite as one people, championing the good of our country. Let us all contribute our quota to help develop our nation.” He urged.
The sporting competition featured football matches among school circuits, creating an atmosphere of excitement and healthy rivalry among the participating pupils.
At the end of the games, Nkwaeso B Circuit emerged winners in both the boys’ and girls’ under-15 football categories, while Nsuta B Circuit secured victory in the boys’ under-13 football competition.
The event formed part of activities marking Ghana’s Independence Day, which commemorates the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1957 under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.
Source: Elvisanokye.com