In the history of the country, gain­ing independence is a momentous occasion that is commemorated annually to remember the sacrific­es made by freedom fighters.

In keeping with that, last Thursday, Ghana celebrated its 68th Independence Day with a modest event held at the seat of government, Jubilee House with the theme “Reflect, Review, and Reset.”

Celebrating the Day is signifi­cant because it promotes national unity and patriotism following nearly 70 years of independence from British colonial authority on March 6, 1957. So far, it has been years of unity, freedom, and progress.

Given that our ancestors fought for our independence, what are we doing to leave a legacy for future generations?

We can confidently say that the Ghana National Anthem is a wonderful song that asks God to bless Ghana and make us powerful and great. It is an exhortation to serve Ghana with all of our heart and strength.

The question is how can we be great and strong when we fight each other? Everywhere, there are isolated incidents of violence and assaults, particularly among the youth, which is concerning for our nation. Let us keep in mind that using violence to serve Mother Ghana is not acceptable.

The song “Yen Ara Asaase Ni” reminds us that Ghana is where we were born and exhorts us to be unselfish and look out for one another’s well-being every day in order to bring peace and prosperi­ty to our country.

Also, the Ghana National Pledge exhorts us as citizens to hold in high regard our heritage, which was won for us through the blood and labour of our fathers, and to work toward a better fu­ture. Another song for reflection is, “Land of our birth we pledge to thee, our love and toil in the years to be, when we are grown and take our place as men and women with our race.”

We must learn, recite, com­prehend, and live out the words of the national anthem and the national pledge.

We strongly exhort the popu­lace to work hard for the nation’s success and to abstain from all sorts of indolence, backbiting, jealousy, and hostility. To raise the flag of our nation, we must be toler­ant, patriotic, focused, disciplined, diligent, accountable, self-assured, and prayerful.

Additionally, let us exhibit humility, honesty, loyalty, service­ability, and unity. Together, we can create our nation by pursuing these characteristics, for power rests in togetherness. Once more, to make Ghana a better place for us to live let us defend the vulner­able, assist those in need, forgive others, show love for all people, and serve God with all of your heart.

May God grant us success as we commit to doing everything in our power to protect and preserve Ghana’s reputation.

Cheers to the 68th anniversary of independence!