We have a common destiny - President

President Kufuor has asked Ghanaians to recognise the common destiny of all the ethnic, cultural, religious and political groupings within the country for peaceful co-existence.

"When we begin to stress what unites us, it becomes easier to resolve those things that divide us," he said, in a speech at the 50th Anniversary and Founders Day of the Achimota School in Accra at the weekend.

A performance by the students, using the theme of the school's song "From Gambaga to Accra and Wiawso to Keta." was staged to display the cultural diversity of Ghanaians and the school's aim of serving all Ghanaians, irrespective of one's cultural of religious background.

The President said Achimota School was among the first to acknowledge the common humanity and mutual interdependence of the black and white races.

Unfortunately, he said the world of today in many areas is heavily marked by intolerance, conflicts and suspicion founded on religion, race and wealth, adding that the "idea of the common humanity of the races tends to be relegated to behind these causes of division."

He said the forces driving globalisation namely-science and technology would however compel the acceptance of common humanity as central and the destiny of all the evolutionary philosophies and processes that the world was struggling over?

The world must share common values of interdependence and submission of the precept of "each being his brother's keeper to survive."

That, he said, was why nations and communities like Ghana must accept to live by that imperative of enshrining mankind as the "raison d'etre" of all endeavours.

President Kufuor also commended the founders of the school for launching the co-educational system.

Though it was new and quite revolutionary, he said it has remained the best arrangement for a rounded and balanced education which has provided the "girls equal opportunities with the boys,"

With the whole world now acknowledging the role of women in nation building, President Kufuor said it was time society worked hand-in-hand with government to remove the remaining cultural barriers that impede the full participation of women in national development.

He paid tribute to the many Achimotans including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Flt.-Lt.Jerry John Rawlings, both former Presidents, who have played their part in the development and governance of the country.

The President urged the students and the entire youth of the country to seize the moment and apply their mind, hearts, and hands to their studies to enable them to position themselves well to overcome the many challenges of the world.

Kwame Pianim, Chairman of the function and president of the 1957 year group of the school, recalled the contributions of old Achimotans to the growth and development of the country.

He said it was gratifying to see most of the 1957 year group Achimotans serving in various capacities in the country.

Mr. Pianim, a noted economist, also commended the government for ensuring a micro economic stability and for laying a solid economic foundation for the future.

The acting Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Flora Mensah, said it was a tradition to honour founding fathers of the school on the first Saturday of every March.

She said the event was aimed at showing the cultural differences among Ghanaians.

Source: The Ghanaian Times