June 4 ideals must improve lives of Ghanaians — Vice-President
Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged government appointees, including Ministers of the State, to remain faithful to the ideals that inspired the June 4 Uprising.
She challenged them, including the members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to work to ensure that public policies translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Ghanaians.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was speaking at the 47th anniversary commemoration of the June 4 Uprising at Banda-Ahenkro in the Bono Region on the theme: "Strengthening State Institutions: Lessons from the June 4, 1979, Uprising."
Commemoration
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, she said the commemoration should not merely mark the passage of time but the impact made on the lives of Ghanaians.
"We can make Ghana much better today than it was yesterday, and much better tomorrow than it is today," she said.
The Bono Region entered the history books yesterday as it hosted the annual June 4 commemoration for the first time, drawing hundreds of party faithful, traditional leaders and residents to Banda-Ahenkro.
As part of the commemoration, a public lecture was held on June 3 to promote reflection, political education and renewed commitment to the ideals that inspired the June 4 movement, while also honouring the memory of the party's founder, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
The event featured a ceremonial hoisting of the flag, wreath-laying, lighting of the perpetual flame and a grand durbar to symbolise remembrance, national unity and commitment to the principles that underpinned the uprising.
A minute's silence was observed in memory of departed heroes and others whose sacrifices contributed to Ghana's democratic journey.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana, while Col. Asumah Yeboah laid one on behalf of the security services.
The Kyidomhene of the Banda Traditional Area, Tolee Gyato II, laid a wreath for traditional authorities, while the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, laid one in honour of the late President Rawlings.
Other wreaths were laid by the 2025 District Best Farmer, Fred Shie Kwadwo, on behalf of farmers and fishers; Bordzi Moses for fishmongers; Alhajia Adisa and Hozan Tchinatchi for women and the youth, respectively; and Kusi Appiah for the Cadre Corps.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the party must remain focused on addressing the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
"We came because we thought something was going wrong. If we are here, we must right that wrong and ensure that what we have established endures," she said.
She stressed that every policy contained in the party's manifesto must have a direct impact on the lives of Ghanaians.
"Whatever policy we bring should translate into everyday experiences of the people," she stated.
She said the government's expenditure was being channelled into sectors that directly impacted citizens, including roads, markets and healthcare infrastructure.
She acknowledged concerns over unemployment and appealed to Ghanaians to remain patient as the government worked to strengthen the economy and create jobs.
2020 election killings
The National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to expedite investigations into the killing of eight people during the 2020 general election.
He said the outcome of the investigations would enable the government to take the necessary action against those responsible and prevent similar incidents in future elections.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah said President John Dramani Mahama had already directed the police to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved in the killings.
Selfless leadership
The General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, said the June 4 Uprising was a turning point in Ghana's history and a reminder of the need for selfless and principled leadership.
He said the uprising occurred at a time when indiscipline, greed and selfishness had taken root in the country, stressing that its ideals remained relevant to national development.
Mr Kwetey urged party members and aspiring leaders to put national interest above personal ambition and remain guided by the ideals of June 4.
