The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has commended leaders of the country over the years, lauding significant strides made by the country “especially in the areas of peace-building and democratic governance”.

On 1st July, 1960, then Prime Minister Dr Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed Ghana a republic and became its first president.

This year marks the 57th anniversary and the NPP, in a press statement signed by Acting General Secretary John Boadu, said: “It is not surprising that she [Ghana] is internationally acclaimed as the citadel of democracy and beacon of hope on the continent of Africa and beyond.”

He thanked Ghanaians for the democratic process and the confidence reposed in the NPP and President Akufo-Addo to “revivify the Ghanaian dream and restore hope in the Ghanaian people”.

Below is the statement:

Today, marks exactly 57 years that Ghana was declared a Republic State and thus, took full charge of her own destiny and bid farewell to the British Colonial Rule. It is without equivocation that, 57 years of nationhood, is a feat that is worth celebrating in the life of every nation and Ghana, is no exception. And so, as the nation commemorates the 57th anniversary of this special day, the NPP is pleased to salute her and for that matter all Ghanaians on this auspicious occasion.

Undoubtedly, our country, Ghana, has made significant strides in the past 57 years of her republican status especially in the areas of peace-building and democratic governance. It is not surprising that she is internationally acclaimed as the citadel of democracy and beacon of hope on the Continent of Africa and beyond. We therefore have a lot to celebrate on this special day despite the few shortcomings that have bedevilled us.

It is also instructive to note that this memorable day in the political history of our country has been designated as Senior Citizens Day with the view to recognising and celebrating the legendary contributions of our forebears and Senior Citizens to our Independence struggle and national development. It is a day that affords our revered Senior Citizens an opportunity to be hosted to a lunch at the State House by His Excellency the President of the Republic, where they get to fraternise with the first gentleman of the land and other top government officials.

Finally, the NPP wishes to use this momentous occasion to once again commend the Ghanaian electorate for rising up against all odds in the last general elections and voting against an incompetent government which was leading this country into abyss and reposing confidence in His Excellency President Akufo-Addo and the NPP to revivify the Ghanaian dream and restore hope in the Ghanaian people. Once again Happy Republic Day to all Ghanaians.

..Signed…

JOHN BOADU General Secretary (Ag)