Rawlings: Nkrumah's birthday should rekindle the
nationalistic fervour in us
Audrey Micah, Ghanadot
Accra, Sept 21, Ghanadot - Former
President Rawlings has reminded Ghanaians to recognize 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 is 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 eulogized 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
globalization 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 demonized 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 statement noted.
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.
Accra, Sept 21, Ghanadot - Former President Rawlings
has reminded Ghanaians to recognize our heroes and learn to
give them their due within our socio-cultural climate....
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Review, Sept 20, Ghanadot -It is gratifying to read
messages across Africa about one of Ghana’s/Africa’s
thinkers’ birthday – 100th – Kwame Nkrumah (21 September
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thinkers to drive its development process from within its
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Review,
Sept 20, Ghanadot - It is correct that the independence
movement did not start with Nkrumah but neither did it start
with the UGCC. It started long before that but it was the
singularly effort of one man Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah that
won us independence and for that we should be thankful.
....More
Review, Sept 20, Ghanadot - What we forget about
Ghana we will remember in the visions of the “Big Six,”
Nkrumah included; but what we forget about Africa, we
will remember foremost in the work and vision of one
man: Kwame Nkrumah. This makes Nkrumah an exceptional
leader. ...More
