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Opinions of Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Columnist: Arkoh, Kofi

The Republic of Ghanaians

"THE REPUBLIC OF GHANAIANS"

The Republic of Ghana? Oh, No! I contend there should be a reverse. It should no more be the Republic of Ghana. Let's call it the Republic of Ghanains.

With this new brand in mind, maybe we will remind ourselves constantly that this nation is for Ghanaians, and it would only take Ghanaians to make it work- each blessed citizen.

54 years ago, we attained the status of a republic. And you know what that meant? It meant were (are) capable of building our own country for our children and children's children. It meant each citizen must bring on board what he/she has to offer, for the collective progress of all. It meant (means) free, independent and hardworking citizens!

We made that pledge to ourselves. And these words cemented that pledge: "At long last the battle has ended, and Ghana our beloved country is free forever"!

54 years down the lane, we reckon we have failed. The battle had not ended, and we were not free. We have failed to keep that promise we made to ourselves at the re-birth of this nation.

We have lost the way! Partisanship has replaced nationalism. Greed has become our second natures. Individualism has closed the book of collective interest. Corruption has replaced honesty.

Laziness has replaced hardwork. Mental slothfulness has repealed constructive thinking. The path to riches has been construed to the youth as the 'quickest and easy path'.

Tilling our own soil for opportunities has been replaced with the philosophy of I-cannot-make-it-if-I-do-not-travel-abroad.

The Republic Of Ghanaians!

It has been said that government has been a liability to us- True! It has also been said that government has been the main cause of our problems- True? It is not the better government we need; it is the better people to occupy government we need.

Ghana, as we see now, has been the outward manifestation of the collective attitude of all of us. And this is the way it must be! Until we change our attitudes, we cannot progress- both individually and nationally.

With Mathematical exactitude, Responsible citizens = Responsible nation.

So weep, beloved Ghanaian, if you can. And after weeping, find practical ways of making the 'Republic of Ghanains' better for our children and children's children. The nation is ours and it is in our own interest to make her great and strong. GET INVOLVED!