WILLIAM OFORI-ATTA LECTURES END IN ACCRA

The fifth William Ofori-Atta Memorial Lectures have ended in Accra with an appeal to Ghanaians to stop thinking along tribal lines. They should also avoid prejudices and biases against one another. It was under the theme, "Ghana at Crossroads, Forty Years of Independence". The President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr.. Sam Okudzeto, who delivered the three day lectures was not happy that people think and behave along tribal lines while they are supposed to be nationalistic. He said Ghana can make great strides if individuals pool their expertise towards one goal. The prosperity of the nation should be the main concern of all instead of seeking individual prosperity. Mr.. Okudzeto urged Ghanaians to see the different tribal groups within the country as a strong force to forge ahead in cultural diversity with a unified purpose. He identified arrogance and intellectual dishonesty as a cancer which must be removed for the society. He appealed to those in authority to see themselves as servants of the people rather than lording it over them. Mr.. Okudzeto asked Ghanaians to do away with personality cult adding it is time people demonstrate what they are capable of offering the nation instead of leaning on what others have done for the country in the past. He said what is important is to learn from the past and not to repeat the mistakes that have been made. Mr.. Okudzeto urged the Clergy not to shun politics, but rather be part of it. He advised Church leaders to guide the congregation through good leadership qualities and responsible behaviour. The Chairman for the occasion, the Rev. Dr. Antwi, noted that it is important that Ghanaians put the past behind them and gorge ahead for a better future. End