Ghana marks 67th independence day anniversary

Ghana marked its 67th independence day anniversary with a national parade under the theme 'Our Democracy, Our Pride'. The country, which gained independence from its former colonial masters, Britain, held celebrations to highlight the progress it has made in terms of democracy and economic growth over the years. Eric Osae, Director General of Ghana’s Internal Audit Agency, shared insights on the significance of the theme and the overall mood in the country. The theme 'Our Democracy, Our Pride' was chosen to showcase Ghana's successful transition to constitutional rule in 1992 after a period of military government. Osae emphasized the strides made in achieving political stability, economic growth, and peaceful transitions of power, making Ghana a beacon of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. The mood in the country on this special day was described as one of pride and optimism despite the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ghana has implemented post-COVID recovery programs with the support of the IMF to ensure a gradual economic recovery. Osae highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the country, noting that businesses are thriving despite higher tax rates aimed at generating revenue for development projects. He also stressed the need for improved accountability in utilizing tax revenues for public services to gain the trust of Ghanaian citizens. Regarding the issue of levying taxes without commensurate wage growth, Osae pointed out that government spending on social programs like free senior secondary education and infrastructure development was contributing to overall societal development. He emphasized the importance of connecting tax revenue mobilization to service delivery to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. Osae acknowledged that while challenges exist, the government is striving to meet macroeconomic targets to stabilize inflation and spur growth. As Ghana prepares for its upcoming presidential elections, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire was a special guest of honor at the independence day celebrations. Osae anticipated the president's commitment to ensuring peaceful and fair elections, along with addressing key economic and regional issues in his speech. He noted that Ghana's leadership role in Ecowas could help strengthen the regional bloc and support neighboring countries facing political challenges. Reflecting on democracy in Africa, Osae highlighted the benefits of democratic governance across the continent, noting that the majority of countries have embraced constitutional rule. While acknowledging isolated cases of military takeovers in some West African countries, he emphasized the collective efforts of regional bodies like Ecowas and the AU to restore democracy in affected nations. Osae urged African leaders to promote value addition to natural resources by investing in secondary industries and avoiding agreements that promote the export of raw materials. In conclusion, Ghana's 67th independence day anniversary symbolized the country's journey towards political stability, economic growth, and democratic governance. Despite challenges, Ghana remains a shining example of democracy in Africa, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.