Ghana marks 54th Republican anniversary
Ghana today celebrates its 54th anniversary as a Republic amid some economic challenges that have left many Ghanaians in a state of anxiety.
Advertisement
But President John Dramani Mahama is expected to use the occasion to inspire hope in Ghanaians at an engagement with Senior Citizens.
The shortage of fuel that hit the nation about a week ago slowed down economic activities, while a shortfall in energy supply has prompted an electricity load-shedding regime whose end does not appear to be in sight.
On the economic front, the signals are not bright, with the cedi on a steady fall against the major international currencies, inflation on a constant rise and the prices of goods and services increasing consistently.
What many Ghanaians had hoped to take solace from in respect of national pride did not materialise, as the senior national football team, the Black Stars, failed to glitter at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.
In such economic and social circumstances, football has always come to the rescue, but the hopes of many Ghanaians for the Black Stars to improve on their World Cup performances in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010 were dashed, as the team crashed out at the group stage in Brazil.
Hope
But, in spite of the challenges, the celebration of Republic Day means a lot to Ghanaians because on July 1, 1960, three years after attaining independence on March 6, 1957, Ghana became the political paragon of Africa’s emancipation.
Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, had inspired a lot of hope in the Black race with his famous proclamation: “… that after all the Black man is capable of managing his own affairs”.
Other Trending Stories
And President Mahama is expected to use the occasion, which is dedicated to honouring senior citizens of the country, to reecho that message and inspire hope in Ghanaians that the challenges will soon be over.
After independence, Ghana remained partially under British rule until July 1, 1960 when Ghana became a Republic.
President Mahama will not depart from the recent norm of interacting with some selected senior citizens at a state-organised luncheon.
Entertainment
Whether there is fuel or not, electricity or not, the beaches along the coastal belt of the country will, as usual, be jammed with holiday revellers to commemorate the occasion.
Some fun-seekers are also expected to patronise drinking spots, night clubs and other entertainment centres to celebrate Republic Day.