Accra, March 5, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Saturday urged Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to Dr Kwame Nkrumah's policy of Pan-Africanism and emancipation of the oppressed and underprivileged.

"The youth of Ghana and indeed of Africa must rededicate themselves to the struggle for economic liberation of the continent," the CPP added in a statement signed by Dr Nii Noi Dowuona, General Secretary, on the 48th Anniversary of Independence.

The CPP said Ghana should consider herself fortunate for the sterling leadership and vision of Dr Nkrumah, adding that, his declaration that the country's independence was meaningless unless it was linked with the total liberation of Africa established the qualities of selflessness and commitment towards political emancipation. It said this inspired all countries in Africa then under colonial rule to strive for independence.

The CPP recalled the efforts by Ghana, which led to the formation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, saying this strengthened the continent's position in international forums and enhanced the image of the African personality.

"The recent formation of the African Union and the growing commitment towards socio-economic integration of the continent undoubtedly underscores the vision of Dr Nkrumah and other founding fathers of the OAU more than four decades ago.

"It is the expectation of the Nkrumah political family that the remaining hurdles in the path of total continental union would be cleared within the shortest possible time to free our people from the debilitating effects of neo-colonialism, which still remains the greatest obstacle to socio-economic emancipation of the continent." The CPP said: "On our part, we shall constantly keep in mind the ideals of Ghana's independence and work assiduously to create a congenial political environment and better living conditions for our citizens at home.

"To do this, we need to change the present neo-colonial economic structure of the country to one driven by knowledge-based scientific technology. The CPP has no other choice, but to do just that." 05 March 05