Ghanaians urged to derive lessons from country's history

Saltpond (C/R), Feb. 14, GNA - Mr Ato Essuman, Member of the Council of State, has urged Ghanaians to derive some lessons from the country's 50 years of existence to guide them into the future. "Our history whether good or bad must be a lesson for us all", Mr Essuman stated when he addressed a choral festival organized by Mfantseman District Assembly as part of the Golden Jubilee of the nation's independence programme.

Mr Essuman, who is also the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, said people before us gave up their best and made sacrifices for this nation and added that "it is our turn to play our part and make this nation a better place for the future of our children and generations yet unborn".

The Council of State Member expressed concern about how Ghanaians had become suspicious of one another because they had allowed ethnic considerations to engulf their activities.

"Let us avoid divisive tendencies and preach unity, tolerance and goodwill towards all," he stated.

"It is by the devoted day-to-day services of many ordinary and unnoticed citizens that a nation achieves greatness," Mr Essuman quoted from a speech delivered by Dr K A Busia at Parliament on 6th March 1957 and called on Ghanaians to resolve to make significant contribution to the development of the nation.

Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, Mfantseman District Chief Executive, attributed the nation's woes to intolerance, saying that if democracy was allowed to reign in the country from the time we attained independence to now, things would have been better than what we see now. He urged citizens to think about what they could do in the next 50 years to improve conditions in the country and resolve to be alive to their responsibilities.

Over 30 church choirs, Muslim groups, senior secondary school choirs and some individuals took part in the festival.