Ghana yesterday marked the Founders’ Day to commemorate two events in the history of our country; the formation of Aborigines’ Right Protection Society, in 1897, led by John Mensah Sarbah, as well as the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), formed in 1947, by J.B. Danquah and George Alfred Paa Grant.
These two events are major milestones in our political development, especially our fight against the colonial administration, which eventually led to Ghana’s Independence on March 6, 1957.
And for that reason, it is most appropriate to recognise the brains behind these two significant events in the historical development of our dear country. We salute them!
Hitherto, September 21 had been observed as the Founder’s Day in recognition of the role of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who broke away from the UGCC, to form the Convention Peoples Party, which added another dimension to the struggle against colonial rule, leading to independence.
We have noted that the designation of August 4 as Founders’ Day is not to undermine the efforts of others in the historical development of our country, especially the struggle against colonial domination.
Ghanaian Times understands that the marking of the day as a holiday signifies the nation’s appreciation of the collective efforts of our forebears in the founding of a free Independent Ghana.
Indeed, we need to reflect over the work of our forebears, and we especially pay due regard to them for their sacrifices and toil that got us this far in our national development.
As we mark the day, we must imbibe the spirit of selflessness as well as work harder, to free our country from poverty, hunger and deprivation.
The country has achieved some amount of success in our socio-economic development, but there is much room for improvement.
We have come a long way in our historical development, and we must not allow partisanship to disintegrate us.
Ghanaians must remain focused in our national aspiration of a free and united people, with a common destiny of improving on our wellbeing.
We are in a critical moment of our lives as a country; battling with the global COVID-19 pandemic as we approach a crucial election on December 7.
All these require us to be extra careful not to allow partisanship to derail our national development.
Let us remain united in the midst of all these challenges and navigate our way through to safety.
Our forebears have done a lot to get us this far; we also owe it a duty to hold the flag of Ghana high and to continue with national development, for a brighter, peaceful and prosperous future.
Once again, we salute our forebears for their great works. We should emulate their shining example by remaining committed to the peace and stability of our country.
We salute our forebears!
