Why Accra alone?

Editorial, Ashanti Times, 22 February 1957

According to reports Accra is putting on her most smart appearance in preparation for Independence. But what about other towns such as Kumasi, Cape Coast, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale. Very little is heard about these towns. And whose fault is it?

The answer is not far to seek. The Government, or those in charge of the decorations, probably reckon that visitors to the celebrations will not travel to any other part of the country apart from Accra!

It may quite rightly be argued that the 'Highly Important Personage' in the person of the Duchess of Kent, will confine her visit to Accra only, according to present arrangements. But what about other visitors? Some of them may also not travel beyond Accra, but, of course, the adventurous type will.

We therefore call on the National Independence Celebrations Committee, and not least, the Government which has provided money for the decorations, to see to it that other towns are well decorated to present a balanced picture to our visitors so far as decorations in connection with the independence celebrations are concerned.

They should not be allowed to go away with the impression that the "shop window was well decorated, but it was not so rosy inside.”

We agree that Accra as the capital and “shop window” of Ghana must be at her best. But it must not be at the entire expense of the other equally important towns.

However, we as individuals, should not look on the Government alone to do the decorations. We can all contribute our own quota by decorating our homes and shops.