PRESS STATEMENT BY PROGRESSIVE CPP WOMEN

On the occasion of the 65th Independence Day of the State of Israel, it is important as Ghanaians to know our history. I wish to take this opportunity to remind Ghanaians of the long bond of friendship and co-operation that have existed between the State of Isreal and Ghana during the CPP government rule under the wise and visionary leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

During Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP government rule of barely nine years before and after the attainment of Ghana’s Independence, the country embarked on comprehensive economic and social reconstruction of our beloved country. Ghana like many other new independent countries needed help to develop.

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP government wanted to develop Ghana’s economy into an industrial and agricultural nation and set up hundreds of State enterprises all over the country. These state enterprises were sold under the PNDC, NDC and NPP regimes.

In view of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP Government’s policy of non-alignment and Positive Neutralism, Ghana and Israel became co-partners. Israel gave assistance and technical know-how to Ghana.

The Government of Israel awarded scholarships to some Ghanaians to study modern agricultural techniques including Poultry Farming in Israel. One such living testimony is Mr. Kwabena Darko of Darko Farms.

As a result, Ghana became one of the leading Poultry farm countries in West Africa. Those were the days when poultry eggs were graded grades I, 2 and 3 in all Ghana markets. One of the first poultry hatcheries was established at Pomadze Poultry.

In the field of research, Isreal gave technical experts in soil, crops, food, animal and others notably Ghana Airways, Ghana Black Star Shipping Lines, Ghana Air Force, Afienya Gliding School. Another brain-child of Israel was the Workers Brigade- a uniformed brigade establishment in the first Republic under Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP government.

One of the surviving testimonies is Mr. Samuel Adae-Amoako.

The purpose of the Brigade was to absorb the loitering youth who needed to be trained to become useful citizens of Ghana.

The Workers Brigade made substantial achievements before it was banned immediately after the 1966 coup d’etat. Since the coup, there has been no civilian and military government able to establish and manage a well-organised work force to propel national development. The Workers Brigade;

1. Established camps to ensure discipline 2. Trained the youth in technical and vocation. 3. Workers Brigade employed many people 4. Workers brigade produced food stuffs and grains in their commercial farms to feed Ghanaians.

During the recent Melcom tragedy in Ghana, Israel came in to help. Congratulations to Israel for your 65th Anniversary.

A friend in Need is a friend in Deed. Israel Ayikoo!

God bless Ghana and God bless Israel.

SIGNED

Spokesperson MADAM LUCY ANIN Former MP 1960-1966) Tel: 0207288633