Random African Thought Series (Dedicated To Ghana On Her 58th Independence Anniversary Celebration)

"God bless our homeland Ghana". Then the question follows, what other blessings do we need to flourish as a people? At 58 we have natural resources and human resources yet at 58 we still have nothing to boast of per the resources we pride ourselves to have. Instead, we should harness both our human and natural resources and seek to get the best value out of them. That is the difference between growing up and growing old.

"And make our Nation great and strong" yet nepotism and tribalism, petty politics, witch- hunting and corruption are making us weak and inferior. Instead we must come together devoid of any form of affiliation to push the progress and development agenda for all to prosper. That is the difference between growing up and growing old.

"Bold to defend FOREVER the cause of freedom and of right" yet we cannot stand up to defend ourselves and act as "cowards" who cannot demand accountability. Till date a baby is still missing with no word from

authorities. How "right" is that? Instead we must ensure that the principle of "all for one and one for all" is carried out to the latter. That is the difference between growing up and growing old.

"Fill our hearts with true humility" yet we overlook the humble. Instead we must never forget our roots and humble beginnings. That is the difference between growing up and growing old

"Make us cherish fearless honestly" yet we polish lies to make them appear real. Instead we should make sure we keep our pledges and promises. That is the difference between growing up and growing old.

"And help us to resist oppressor's rule with all our will and might forever more" yet we live like we have no will. We are in the new age of oppression which is done indirectly by institutions that appear sacrosanct on paper but in actual fact are catalysts. Instead we should make Nkrumah's dream come true by proving beyond a doubt that "the Blackman is capable of managing his

own affairs". That is the difference between growing up and growing old.

"So help us God". Indeed, help is what we need so that our national anthem and national pledge won't be just mere recitals but acts of reality. That, my fellow countrymen and women is the difference between growing up and growing old. Let us strive as we grow old to grow up also because growing old alone is just not enough. We need to grow out of certain ideologies if we are to progress as a nation. This is not a "one-man" show. We all must put in our quota. This is my Ghana, your Ghana and our Ghana (our home, land of rich resources, justice and freedom). Let us not make the toil of our forebears be in vain. (More at randomafricanthoughts.blogspot.com)

The Writer is the author of the 'Random African Thought' Series.