Editorial
Let’s practise national anthem
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!
Dear Editor,
I AM writing to draw your attention to the inadequate street lights in some parts of Wawase, a situation that continues to pose serious concerns for residents.
Street lights play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security within a community. Unfortunately, several areas in Wawase are completely without functioning street lights.
This has made movement at night very difficult and dangerous, especially for workers, students, and traders who return home late.
The lack of proper lighting has also created an enabling environment for criminal activities such as theft and harassment. Residents often live in fear, and some are forced to limit their movements after dark. Additionally, poor visibility increases the risk of road accidents, putting both pedestrians and drivers at risk.
It is concerning that despite the growing population and development in Wawase, this basic infrastructure issue remains unresolved.
I would like to appeal to the relevant authorities, including the local assembly and electricity providers, to urgently address this problem by installing new street lights and repairing faulty ones.
Ensuring adequate street lights will not only improve security but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the area.
Gwen Mensah, Agona Swedru
Dear Editor,
FOR some time now, I have been deeply concerned about the state of the Kaneshie footbridge, which has over the years developed cracks, exposing some rusted metal parts and raising safety concerns.
It is, therefore, welcome news for daily users of the facility like myself that a team from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), led by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), visited the facility and announced a temporary closure to allow for maintenance work to be carried out.
While I wish to commend the Assembly for the move, I believe it has been long overdue.
I often find it difficult to understand why, as a country, we sit, wait, and watch for preventable incidents or tragedies to happen before we react. I say this because the issue of the bad state of the Kaneshie footbridge has been one that has been re-echoed by many who use it on a daily basis.
I believe that as the Assembly looks to start the maintenance works on the footbridge, it is also important for it and other Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pay attention to other footbridges across the country that are in a similar state.
The time has come for Ghana, as a country, to be more proactive than reactive.
I will also urge the assemblies to deploy their respective teams to always check on footbridges across the country to ensure that they are in good shape to avoid any tragedy that could lead to the loss of human lives.
From Fafa, Kaneshie
