Mr. Francis K. Mensah, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) of Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly (ONMA) has urged Ghanaians to reflect on the nation’s progress and take decisive action towards national development.
According to him, as Ghana moves forward, there was the need for a shift in mindset and strategies, emphasizing that nation-building is not the sole responsibility of the government but a collective duty of all citizens.
“We must reset our approach to governance, prioritizing accountability, efficiency, and service delivery. We must reset our economic strategies to foster entrepreneurship, industrialization, and job creation. We must reset our social values, promoting discipline, honesty, and patriotism,” he asserted.
Speaking at a parade in Accra on Thursday to mark Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, on the theme: Reflect, Review, and Reset” Mr. Mensah emphasized the need for resilience, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose in the nation’s growth.
“Today is a day of pride, reflection, and renewal—a day when we acknowledge the sacrifices of our forebears, celebrate our progress, and commit ourselves to a brighter future,” he stated.
He further stressed that the theme for the celebration is a call to action for all Ghanaians to assess the nation’s successes and challenges and make bold decisions for the future.
Mr. Mensah acknowledged Ghana’s strides in governance, education, infrastructure, health, and economic growth, making the country a beacon of democracy in Africa.
“In Okaikwei North Municipality, we have made progress in local governance, infrastructure, and social services, but there is more to be done,” he noted, calling for effective policies and programs that address the needs of the people, maximize resources, empower the youth, women, and vulnerable groups to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Okaikwei North MCD encouraged the students to dream big, work hard, and contribute positively to their communities, as they are the future of the nation.
The Municipal Director of Education for Okaikwei North, Mrs. Cynthia Aboni in a speech highlighted the role of education in national development.
She underscored the importance of instilling the right values, knowledge, and skills in young people to prepare them for the future.
Mrs. Aboni expressed concern over rising indiscipline among students, citing recent violent clashes in some Senior High Schools in the country as a worrying trend.
“Recent events at some Senior High Schools have sparked serious worries about students’ growing lack of discipline,” she said, attributing this trend to the weakening authority of school administrators and a lack of parental involvement.
Mrs. Aboni called for an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the issue, including uniform and transparent disciplinary measures in schools, greater parental participation in children’s education, and stronger collaborations between schools, parents, and communities.
As part of the anniversary celebration, children represented by Ms. Mildred Orleans-Lindsay and Daniel Ngambire sent a message to President John Mahama, urging leaders to prioritize their future.
“Your Excellency, our future is tied to the strength of this foundation. We dream of a Ghana where every child, no matter where they are born or the circumstances they face, has access to opportunities that allow them to grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to our country’s development,” the children stated.
Their message highlighted key areas of concern, including access to quality education, healthcare, and child protection policies.
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. We humbly ask that you strengthen our healthcare system to ensure that no child is left behind due to illness or lack of access to medical care,” they added.
The children also pledged to uphold values of discipline, hard work, honesty, and love for Ghana.
“We believe that you will not only reset the foundations of Ghana but also build a nation that is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of Africa. We, the children, are ready to play our part in this great journey,” they added.
Dr. Bismark A Alegrah in a message read on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North Constituency, Mrs. Theresa Lardi Awuni among other things noted that it was about time citizens reset Ghana’s priorities by reigniting the spirit of service, hard work and patriotism.
He opined that resetting does not mean abandoning our past but rather correcting our course when necessary and strengthening the values that define us as Ghanaians.
The event was attended by some three Hundred (300) students and learners from five (5) Public and Private Basic & Second Cycle Schools in the municipality.
Also in attendance were Chiefs of Abeka, Achimota and Akweteyman, staff of the Assembly, Assembly Members of all the eleven Electoral Areas in the Municipality as well as Officers, Teachers from the Municipal Education Office and Schools in and around the Municipality.
By Kofi Yirenkyi