September 21, 2009

LET US RECOGNISE OUR HEROES – RAWLINGS ON NKRUMAH’S CENTENARY

Former President Rawlings has reminded Ghanaians to recognise our heroes and learn to give them their due within our socio-cultural climate. In a statement issued on the commemoration of the 100th birthday of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the former President said the ideals of Ghana’s first President and what he stood for cannot be wished away.

President Rawlings was however saddened that over the years some of the most gallant heroes of our nation building history have been relegated to the background whilst undeserving and treacherous people have been undeservedly elevated.

“Today Nkrumah is eulogised by many across the world. In Ghana the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle built prior to 1979 as well as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which was built during our era, are but a microcosm of the monuments in his honour.

The former President said he hoped the national holiday in Nkrumah’s honour would help re-kindle the nationalistic fervour, which was almost extinguished over the past eight years.

President Rawlings said Kwame Nkrumah’s strength of character in leading the liberation struggle and fighting colonialism was a great and commendable journey. The struggle against neo-colonialism and the negative side of globalisation is however proving to be a harder and more difficult battle. “Ghana has seen political metamorphoses since December 31, 1982 - a journey started by Nkrumah in the 1950s but derailed by self-seekers who did not appreciate Nkrumah’s vision and demonised every aspect of his leadership. “What Ghana needs are bold leaders who have absolute faith, trust and respect for the judicial consciousness of our people. Leaders who believe in true justice and freedom. Leaders who believe in empowering the people as they fashion out policies that will improve their lot. Leaders who will create equal opportunities for wealth while ensuring that there is absolute probity and accountability.

“As we celebrate Nkrumah today let us have unity of purpose as far as the socio-economic and socio-political development of Ghana is concerned. The former President said he hoped today’s celebration will be used as a period of reflection as we join hands in developing Ghana.

Concluding, former President Rawlings said Nkrumah’s ideals of unity for Africa had proven to be more relevant than before with the creation of powerful economic blocks in Europe, the Americas and Asia and called on African leaders to work seriously to give true meaning to the aspirations of Africans.

Visit Former President Rawlings’ blog site - http://jjrawlings.wordpress.com/