67TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY DAY MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH COMMISSIONER, H.E. SAMUEL YAO KUMAH

INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH COMMISSIONER H.E. SAMUEL YAO KUMA

Dear Compatriots and friends of Ghana,

         On the momentous occasion of the 67^th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Ghana, observed on 6^th March, 2024, I am delighted to join you in wishing ourselves, hearty congratulations!

         The occasion brings to mind the historic date of 6^th March, 1957 when Ghana, under its illustrious leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule.  As we celebrate 67 years as a nation, it is befitting to pay a deserving tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of our beloved Ghana, whose sacrifices continue to spur us on to build a forward-looking and progressive country.  This moment in the country’s trajectory presents a unique opportunity to reflect on its past and celebrate its achievements, even as we look forward to the future with renewed hope of consolidating the gains made over the years.

         The adoption of the 4^th Republican Constitution in 1992, which ushered in a stable democratic governance in Ghana’s chequered history of nation-building has culminated in a functional democracy, anchored on good governance, rule of law, respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry and freedom of the press. It is for this good reason that Ghana chose the theme: OUR DEMOCRACY, OUR PRIDE” to commemorate the 67^th independence anniversary.

         In his message to the nation at the national parade to commemorate the independence anniversary, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, President of the Republic stated succinctly that:

“All the defining elements of a democracy, that are part of our governance architecture today, we have had to fabricate ourselves. Everything we know about elections today, and we know quite a bit, we have learnt through hard practice, and, in the past thirty-one (31) years we have been stable. We have not got a perfect system, but every time we have had elections during this Fourth Republic, it has been an improvement on the previous occasion”.

         In the restive region of West Africa, we cannot emphasise enough the successes Ghana has chalked, over the past two decades, in holding successive peaceful democratic elections adjudged by international observers as credible, free, and fair.  Accordingly, as the country prepares for the next general elections in December 2024, our optimism is high that it will pass off peacefully, as usual, for Ghana to become the ultimate winner.

         To overcome some of the developmental challenges Ghana is experiencing, President Akuffo Addo underscored the importance of upholding the principle of rule of law by all and sundry if Ghana is to lay a strong foundation for the structural transformation of the economy. He observed in his national day speech that:

“We cannot hope for economic prosperity without adhering to the rule of law. There are a few amongst us who equate the freedom that was proclaimed at the arrival of independence with the freedom to ignore the rules and regulations that should guide our lives. Aspirations for prosperity should go hand in hand with the discipline necessary for the rule of law.”

Amidst the optimism associated with the recent steady recovery of the economy, as evidenced by the gradual improvement in the macro-economic fundamentals of the country, the government remains steadfast in the implementation of its development policies towards improving the standards of living and creating prosperity for its citizens. 

         With a peaceful and stable political system, liberalised economy, a dynamic private sector and a well-trained skilled workforce, Ghana remains an attractive investment and business destination in West Africa.  May I therefore, use this platform to encourage the members of the business community in Australia, New Zealand and countries of the South Pacific Region to invest in promising sectors of the Ghanaian economy, including the energy, the extractives, real estate, agro-processing, eco-tourism and the services sectors.

         I am pleased to note that relations between Ghana and Australia are on a positive trajectory.  Our two countries continue to work closely together at both bilateral and multilateral levels to advance our shared interests.  In this regard, I would like to express the gratitude of the Government and people of Ghana to the Commonwealth of Australia for the various forms of assistance extended to Ghana especially in the fields of education, capacity building programmes for public officials and maritime security. Indeed, Australian investment in the mining sector of Ghana forms a key component of our bilateral interactions. It is our hope that Ghana and Australia will continue to deepen and expand the frontiers of their cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

         To all compatriots living and working in Australia, New Zealand and the countries of the South Pacific, accept my hearty congratulations and Ayeeko for your diverse contributions which have helped to sustain the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Australia.

         As we celebrate another anniversary of Ghana’s independence, let us renew our commitment to the values of patriotism, hard work, discipline, unity and honesty, which are indispensable for building our lives in the communities in which we live in Australia and in the South Pacific Region, whilst extending our support towards sustaining developmental efforts in our country of origin, Ghana; we owe this to posterity.

         May the goodwill of the 67^th anniversary usher us all into a fulfilling year of tremendous successes.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong.

Happy Independence Anniversary!