Ghanaians Charged To Rededicate Themselves To Country

Ghanaians have been charged to use the occasion of Ghana's 59th independence anniversary to rededicate themselves to what they can do to make the country better than it is now.

" Our forbearers sacrificed a lot to get us independence, some even paid with their lives and today we should also ask ourselves what we can also do to help our country ", Rev. Canon Prof. Emeritus John S. Pobee, an Anglican Theologian said in his sermon at a non denominational church service at the Inspirational Gospel Assembly at Bronx, New York to mark the anniversary.

The service organized by the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations in conjunction with the Association of Ghanaian Pastors, National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) was attended by staff of the Mission, leaders of various churches, the Ghanaian community and some friends of Ghana.

Rev.Pobee, former head of the Department of Religions, University of Ghana and husband of the current Ambassador to the UN reminded Ghanaians that the celebration of the independence will be " meaningless if it doesn't help others and country to advance".

Recalling how proud and happy Ghanaians were at the time of their country's independence years ago, he asked the youth of today to do everything possible to rekindle that enthusiasm to make Ghana great.

Preaching on Ecclesiastes Chapter 44, Rev Prof. Pobee urged Ghanaians to have a sense of history in order not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to build upon the achievements made by their forbearers in achieving Ghana's independence.

In this vein, he entreated all Ghanaians to eschew tribalism, discrimination,indiscipline, laziness and all other negative attitudes that our elders fought hard against, adding that "we are one people, one nation with one destiny".

In her message, Ambassador Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee,Ghana's Permanent Representative to the UN,paid glowing tribute to the men and women, heroes and heroines of Ghana's Independence for their steadfastness, commitment and selfless dedication to the nation.

In spite of the economic challenges and difficulties that the country is going through,as a result of the unfavorable prices for the nation's oil and gold and other commodities, she was emphatic that things will be well considering the sustainable development measures and infrastructural development that have started showing signs in the country.

"Ghana's future is bright and the signs are there for all to see.We have every reason to be thankful and glad for all the achievements made in the country notably the rule of law, impressive democratic records,peace and freedom in the country", the elated Ambassador stated.

She announced that the Ghana Mission will soon introduce an electronic online passport and visa processing, that will be an improvement over the current system. The new measures will include the processing of bio-metric passports after the on-going installation and trials are completed.

While commending Ghanaians abroad for their valuable contributions to the Ghanaian economy in the form of regular remittances, she urged them to continue to support the country in various forms, since the country can never do without them.

To enhance the interaction with the diaspora, Mrs Pobee said a special desk has been created at the Mission as well as all foreign Missions and therefore urged them to feel free to always come to the mission with their views and complaints on the situation at home and also about existing investment opportunities.

Special prayers were said for the nation,President John Dramani Mahama and his Cabinet,all people in leadership positions and for continuous progress, peace and tranquility.

The service was characterized by song ministration and praise and worship.