Says CPP

Fellow Ghanaians, 46 years ago today the project to build in Ghana the model of a proud, strong and independent African country, as championed by the Convention People’s Party (CPP) under the visionary leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was derailed in a coup d’état that shocked all of Africa and the progressive world.

Since that day we have witnessed a steady erosion of the sense of self-confidence with which the first generation of African nationalist leaders inspired their populations as they set out to wage their campaign for the emancipation of all peoples of African origin. This loss of conviction manifests itself today in the syndrome of the increasing dependence of African countries on foreign aid, which sadly two generations of Africa’s youth have grown up regarding as the norm. In the case of our own once self-sufficient nation, fully half of the national budget is now subsidised by foreign governments and the International Financial Institutions.

The cost of this loss of self-belief is seen in the absence from government of an integrated vision of Ghana’s development, in the broader context of a reawakened African giant, determined and united in its ambition to transform the fortunes of its peoples and to raise their standard of living to a level equal to or higher than that of any other continent.

The challenge for Ghana today is to reverse the psychology of dependency and to resume its leadership role in piloting a programme of government based on maximising Africa’s competitive advantage through continental solidarity. Based on this understanding of our historical role, the CPP is grooming a new generation of leaders, with a new vision, new ideas and a new style of inclusive politics geared towards marshalling the talents and energies of every Ghanaian. We pledge to pursue to a successful outcome the process we have already begun of renewing our party, with the objective of offering the Ghanaian electorate a coherent slate of popular alternative policies, designed to deliver harmonious social progress; rapid, balanced economic growth; and capable, honest government that responds readily to the needs of all citizens. In commemorating the tragic events of 24th February 1966, this treasonous day of shame, the CPP will not suggest that one coup d’état in our country’s history was more or less justifiable than the others. Indeed, we believe that all the past unconstitutional changes of government in Africa set back the continent’s progress, as does the recent phenomenon of violent “régime change”, which some foreign powers endorse or even instigate as an acceptable surrogate for the military coup.

We commit ourselves, and we urge all other parties across the continent to commit themselves similarly, to practicing and entrenching in our politics the culture of constitutional government with indigenous African characteristics that will best advance the long-term interests of all our peoples.

We would also take this opportunity to signal our quest for Justice on a wrong arising from 24th February 1966 - the issue of seized CPP Assets. Seized properties of the CPP are legitimate properties of the CPP, acquired with the dues and contributions of ordinary CPP members and party affiliates. It is thus not unreasonable to seek what is rightfully ours and the quest for justice has begun.

They sought to dismember and obliterate the CPP in 1966, but increasingly the torch which was lit with the birth of the CPP continues to burn, borne aloft, giving light and guidance to a new generation. The Youth League of our party is on this day even more vibrant, more dynamic than ever signifying that a new generation are ready to carry the torch till our country and continent is fully emancipated.

Long Live the new CPP

Long Live the Republic of Ghana

SIGNED:

Nii Armah Akomfrah Director of Communication