Are the Founders Proud?

 

As Ghana celebrates Founder’s Day, we reflect on the legacy left by the six gallant individuals led by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who liberated our nation from colonial rule. This day is meant to honor their vision and sacrifices. But the question arises: are the Founders proud of what Ghana has become?

The Unfulfilled Promise

Ghana was envisioned as a nation brimming with potential, capable of offering its citizens a prosperous life. With rich natural resources and a vibrant culture, the foundation was set for a flourishing future. However, the reality today seems starkly different. Corruption, greed, nepotism, ethnocentrism, and indiscipline have become prevalent, overshadowing the ideals for which our forebears fought.

Despite our abundant resources, Ghana struggles with numerous challenges. The wealth meant to uplift the nation has often been misappropriated by those in power, prioritizing personal gain over national development. This betrayal of trust has left the country with little to show for its vast potential.

Challenges Faced by the Youth

The youth of Ghana, who represent the future of our nation, face daunting hurdles. Unemployment rates among graduates remain high, leading to disillusionment and frustration. The desperate pursuit of wealth has sometimes led young men and women to compromise their dignity and values. This is not the Ghana envisioned by Nkrumah and his fellow pioneers.

Education, a cornerstone for national development, is marred by inadequate infrastructure. Many children still study under trees, and pregnant women face health risks due to poor roads. These challenges highlight a broader issue of leadership that seems unable or unwilling to tackle the fundamental problems facing the country.

Reliance on External Aid

Ghana's reliance on external aid to manage its affairs is another point of concern. Despite the potential for self-sufficiency, the country continues to depend on international assistance, often celebrating mediocrity rather than striving for excellence. This reliance diminishes our sovereignty and the spirit of independence our Founders cherished.

A Call for Change

Undoubtedly, the Founders would be disheartened by the current state of affairs. However, hope remains. A revolutionary spirit is stirring among the young people of Ghana, who are determined to reclaim the nation’s glory. They recognize the urgent need to restore the country to its rightful place as a leader in Africa.

The words of our national anthem, pledge and patriotic song serve as a constant reminder of our responsibilities:

Yɛn ara asaase ni;
Ɛyɛ abɔ den den de ma yεn,
Mogya a nananom hwie gu
Nya de to hɔ ma yɛn,
Aduru me ne wo nso so,
Sε yɛbɛyɛ bi atoa so. Nimdeɛ ntraso, nkoto-kranne;
Ne pɛsɛmenkomenya,

Adi yɛn bra mu dεm, ama yɛn asaase hɔ dɔ atomu sɛ.
Ɔman no, sɛ ɛbɛyɛ yie o
Ɔman no, sɛ ɛrenyɛ yie o;
Ɛyɛ nsɛnnahɔ sɛ, Ɔmanfo bra na ɛkyerɛ

National Pledge:
"I promise on my honour to be faithful and loyal to Ghana my Motherland. I pledge myself to the service of Ghana, with all my strength and with all my heart. I promise to hold in high esteem our heritage, won for us through the blood and toil of our fathers; and I pledge myself in all things to uphold and defend the good name of Ghana. So help me God."

National Anthem:
"God bless our homeland Ghana, 
And make our nation great and strong, 
Bold to defend forever, 
The cause of Freedom and of Right. 
Fill our hearts with true humility 
Make us cherish fearless honesty, 
And help us to resist oppressor's rule 
With all our will and might forevermore."

These words are a call to action, a commitment to service, integrity, and the defense of our nation’s honor. As we celebrate Founder’s Day, let us renew our dedication to building a Ghana that fulfills the dreams of our Founders—a nation of prosperity, unity, and justice for all.

Ghana will rise again, and together, we will ensure that the sacrifices of our Founders were not in vain.

I Rest My Case