It's great, significant

March 7, 2009
Page 3

THREE presidential candidates who contested last year’s general election and other high-profile personalities have described this year’s Independence anniversary as significant and great.
They said the occasion was not only unifying but also important in enhancing democracy in the country.
The candidates are Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Mr Emmanuel Ansah-Antwi of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and Mr T.N. Ward-Brew of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP).
They expressed these views in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic shortly after the parade to mark the country’s 52nd independence.
It was on the theme: "Unity and Peace, Pillars of National Development".
Dr Nduom, who described the event as significant, indicated that it was an occasion when all political party activities were to be put aside.
“This is the day all of us should be here to share in the joy of the country’s independence. This, indeed, is a big day for all of us,” he emphasised.
He said the President’s resolve to ensure peace in the country was also laudable, since without peace no country on the planet could develop or improve upon the lives of its citizens.
Mr Ward-Brew said the occasion was momentous, as it had lived up to its billing as a unifier.
“All the symbols of nationhood have been displayed. I hope the government will take steps to deepen the things that unite us,” he said.
He, however, said it was incumbent on the ruling party to ensure that democracy thrived in the country.
For his part, Mr Ansah-Antwi said the organisation of the event had been okay and that he was proud of the founding fathers of the country.
He expressed the hope that the programmes raised by the President would be followed and implemented.
He underscored the need for the leaders of the country to leave a legacy for future generations.
The Osu Mankrado, Nii Ako Nortei IV, said the event was splendid, as the display of the national colours portrayed unity of purpose.
He said making traditional rulers sit in the stands, instead of making them sit under canopies, was apt.
A former presidential candidate of the CPP, Mr George Aggudey, said the “event was exciting”.
He said the fact that the canopies were not used, as was previously done, made the event unique.
The President of the Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG), Major Alhaji Easah Mohammed (retd), called for collaborative efforts among Ghanaians to address the challenges facing the country.
He stressed the need for Ghanaians to exhibit discipline in all their dealings, since that was the only way we could develop as a country.