Winneba, March 4 GNA - The Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Samuel K. Owusu-Agyei, has urged Ghanaians to let the 49th Independence anniversary remind them of the battle of the founding fathers to attain self government for the nation and to struggle to nurture and sustain constitutional democracy in the country.

Mr. Owusu-Agyei, who is also the MP for Effutu, said the struggle ahead could only be won through hard work and discipline, adding that nations that towed this path have chalked socio-economic advancement, while those that did not have collapsed. He explained that it was for this reason that the Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, launched a national crusade against indiscipline to ensure the country's forward march.

Mr. Owusu-Agyei pointed out that this was an indication that the centre stage of every country's development is discipline and hard work, which are essential for the attainment of economic, social and cultural freedom. The Deputy Minister was speaking at a cultural; music and drama show in connection to the events leading to Ghana's Independence in 1957.

The programme was initiated by Miss Ida Nyaneba Mensah of Radio Windy-bay and supported by a number of organisations and well wishers including the authorities of the University of Education, Winneba and the "Osagyefo Theatre Company Innovation in African Arts," a cultural development organisation at Winneba.

Mr. Owusu-Agyei said the country's democratic process came about at a great cost with pain and stated that what would keep Ghana moving forward was for the people to be steadfast in their determination to build upon the good things of the founding fathers. He noted that this required a high sense of discipline, saying that, "we must as a nation cultivate a high degree of discipline in all that we do to propel the nation for greater socio-economic success". Commending the organisers and the participants, Mr. Owusu-Agyei called on Ghanaians to strive to recognise those who make notable contributions to nation building.

Mrs. Philomena Mensah, an educationist, praised the school children for their performance and advised them to search for more artistic and academic laurels.