Ghana paces at 47

March 6 was a time of quiet reflection for Ghanaians at home and abroad. Throughout the world, Ghanaians celebrated their independence day in style. Many also used the occasion to reflect on the journey so far. It all started many years before the actual day of March 6, 1957. Lives were lost, properties were destroyed and families destabilised in the struggle. So has independence brought the desired freedom?

Sadly, Ghanaians, like many other Africans have been through bad periods after independence. But in all this, just as in 1957 when Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, it has also managed to institute a democratic system of government that has even confused critics. The credit must be shared by the political elites in the country who have played it well so far. Ghana has shown that it has the political will to uphold the basic principles of democracy, as well as to create the enabling environment for democracy to thrive. This has been so because of the restraint of the ?ruler? and the ?ruled? in the country and all must be encouraged.

Ghana must seek to institutionalise change, and prevent retrogression and return to the past. The President?s statement on March 6 that he will seek to provide free and fair elections this year is encouraging. Civil society organisations must ensure that democracy is promoted and well guarded in Ghana?s socio-economic development efforts. By encouraging public debate, by nurturing press freedom and civil society organisations, and by maintaining the rule of law and an independent judiciary Ghana will move forward.