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05.03.2015 Feature Article

Colourless Colours Of Ghana's Flag

Colourless Colours Of Ghana's Flag
05.03.2015 LISTEN

"How old are you now" we all sing melodiously during birthdays. Now its Ghana's turn, we have to sing too. Great!! . Unfortunately, our flag misses a color on this faithful day.

Lets find out:
Red symbolizes the bloodshed and toil of our forefathers who died and worked for our independence. Gold, undoubtedly signifies the mineral deposits which nature bestowed on our land. Green stands for the tropical location with the rich vegetation we are blessed to have. The lone black star marks the emancipation of Africa and Our united struggle against colonialism.

Examining the interpretation of all these colors, what's lacking is the positive effect these colors have meant to the Ghanaian and Ghana itself.

All these colors, I see as responsibilities in disguise to the past, present and future leaders of Ghana. Not forgetting the patriotic and die hard citizens, we got a role to play too.

As colorful as our flag remains, the state of the nation years on, stands out of color needful of a rekindling and restructuring and a call to duty to all Ghanaians and especially those in sensitive positions.

Red-less Red?
Dealing with colonialism and chanting onto the declaration of independence, Nkrumah and all other bloods had a strong conviction of manning our own affairs entirely just as we yearn for now. Retrospectively, has the blood and toil of our forefathers been made proud of thereafter? Sacrifices in various stead where meant to make us independent or self reliant and united. United as a people to move forward else the colonist will infiltrate with more dubious neo colonialism tactics to destabilize our economy and people. Presently, I can see that in so many ways and call for the confidence, tact and sacrifice by leadership to lead our way out. Ghana is a recipient of several grants, loans etc with stringent conditions our forefathers wanted to eliminate by shedding their blood in the past. The sad sensible truth and is that when we express vulnerability in our incapacity to steer our own affairs it is always an opportunity for foreign interference called assistance.

Gold-less Gold ?
Clearly the key to note from the red is selflessness and sacrifice and what about the Gold?

One would think that given the several minerals (gold, manganese, bauxite, diamond) the buoyancy of our economy might as well be reliant on them but, far from that, isn't it? The gargantuan income generated from tapping gold and other minerals have been murky with agriculture rather leading in creation of employment and income generation. The collapse of our manufacturing industries rips off the supplement reliance to boost the economy. Governments both military and constitutional have made meager contributions to sustain our minerals in our own power. Foreign interests occupy the helm of affairs to our detriment. I pray our oil discovery is still within our grip. Our insufficiency has exposed us to both foreign interruptions as well as indigenous upheavals. The devilment of these activities is telling on the heart,minds and lives of the ordinary Ghanaian in the form of labor strikes and demonstrations. I tell you without the will to sacrifice, determination and self value, diligence, commitment and proper management then, I beg to say we are not recovering soon.

Green-less green?
From the gold color, we see that having mineral resources isn't enough but rather the right minds with a relentless vision in pursuance is necessary in the equation too.

On our 58th birthday, it probably seems unfair to lament about our predicament but the day has to give us a change of mind going forward. No be so...?

A dazzling Ghana of democracy, yet our green vegetation looks on with less planning but arbitrary land acquisition. Agriculture remains our biggest contributor despite its limitations. That is to say, agriculture can still perform better if its concerns are well addressed.

Ghana stationed in the tropic with a comparatively good climate all year round and the sun at our mercy, are we making enough hay?

From Bawku toTamale through to central and southern Ghana, there are cultivable lands before our very own eyes.

Change is necessary when it is good and alot of responsibility if not all lies in the circles of determined leaders to make a strong futuristic move. We can't do same things and expect different results. We are importing too much as a country and domestication must take a wake from its nap if not a sleep.

Sparkling Star?
To conclude, I will define colonialism from a dictionary- The exploitation by a strong country of weaker one; the use of a weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country.

Are we a weak or strong country?
The end of the matter is, focus planning and execution for a positive change. Leaving nothing to chance and tackling the nitty gritty of our land with all seriousness.

I have said alot already, but with our star as a sign of emancipation and struggle against colonialism,I ask - are we still under colonialism?

Please reply ...
God bless My beloved Ghana.
Happy 58th Birthday.
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