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General news for Monday, March 8, 2021
Source: GNA
03/08/2021
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday brought Ghanaians together to remain resolute in the face of Covid-19, and with work of unity, optimism and determination to bring the country out of the pandemic quickly and favorably.
Noting the recent increase in the number of covid-19 cases in the country, he urged all Ghanaians to help ensure its decline, saying, “We have done it before, and we can do it again.”
“Yes, the first vaccines have arrived in the country and are being rolled out and I passionately call on each of you to take the vaccine when it is your turn. But, however, we cannot afford to let go of the improved hygiene and mask-wearing protocols that have defined our way of life.
“If we are to succeed in building a resilient Ghana capable of withstanding future external shocks such as covid-19, we must all put our shoulders behind the wheel.”
President Akufo-Addo made the roll call when he delivered remarks to mark the 64th anniversary of independence held in the forecourt of Jubilee House in Accra.
The annual national event, typically held in Independence Square with a traditional parade of security services and selected schools, has been reduced this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings.
This year’s event has been simplified and modified with a special parade of just eight officers and 29 men and women, involving members of the Ghanaian armed forces and other security services. No school participated.
The President, prior to his speech, lit a perpetual mounted flame in the grounds of Jubilee House and reviewed a drilling demonstration by the special contingent at the parade.
There was a flyover of the Ghana flag by a Ghana Air Force helicopter and a 21-gun salute by the Ghanaian Navy.
Broadcast live nationwide, the event brought together the Vice-President, President of Parliament, Chief Justice, President of the Council of State, ministers of state and some deputies, heads of security services and their commanders, members of the diplomatic community. and senior officials of the presidency.
President Akufo-Addo told the assembly that Ghana, being the first to achieve independence in sub-Saharan Africa, was expected to be high.
He noted this over time; “We sought to express a deep awareness of the love for our country and the importance of making sure we realize our potential as Africa’s black star.”
“Year after year, we are committed to ensuring that we work to live up to the standard of living of Ghanaians and to help build an economy capable of creating a society of opportunity for all. It took us a while to get there, but I believe we Ghanaians have a lot more confidence in them today than there has been since the very early days of self-government, than we can do it if we work on it.
“Today, freedom and the cultivation of democratic values strengthen our determination to bring about a new Ghana that is neither a pawn nor a victim of the world order. The attachment to the rule of law, respect for individual freedoms, human rights, the principles of democratic accountability and the imperatives of social justice have deepened for our common good, ”he declared. .
The president said that although the greatest challenge facing the nation was to put it on the path to lasting progress and prosperity, and to improve the well-being of every Ghanaian, his administration, since 2017, had worked hard to achieve this goal. .
He said that for three consecutive years, since 2017, Ghana has had one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has become the largest destination for foreign direct investment in West Africa, the global giants of the automobile setting up factories in Ghana and others committing to do so. so.
“The basic principles of social justice; that is, access to education and health care, are guaranteed for all our people. We have become self-sufficient in food production and, for the first time in a long time, have exported our surpluses to our neighbors, ”said President Akufo-Addo.
“Sustained efforts through digitization are being made to formalize our economy and we have accelerated our critical journey of industrialization and value-added activities, the result of which would be to create jobs for the teeming masses of Ghanaians.”
The president said the government was taking the necessary steps to revitalize and transform the economy, ensuring that the benefits of the country’s economic recovery would begin to manifest in a year from now and move Ghana to a situation beyond help.
“We should start to take our place as one of the fastest growing economies, not only in Africa, but also in the world. Yes, from now on we should be processing more and more of our raw materials to help create jobs for millions of Ghanaians.
“In a year, more and more children should have access to education. In a year, every district and region should have a hospital while residents can enjoy decent and affordable health care. “
“Dear Ghanaians, it is not beyond us if we put our hearts and minds into it. We can do this and protect our heritage and our environment. Let us not allow our energies to be undermined neither by the failures of the past nor by the challenges of today. “
“Let’s accept today’s challenges as opportunities for a better future. Let us redefine our sense of national responsibility and remove any doubts that some may continue to have about our ability to manage our own affairs. “
“Let us devote ourselves to the freedom and well-being of mother Ghana. Although this is a daunting task, I have no doubts that with dedication, hard work, honesty and integrity we can fulfill the dreams and aspirations of our nation’s Founding Fathers. , who saw us as a vibrant, progressive, prosperous and united nation. “
“We must all be engaged and play an important role in the development of Ghana, our homeland,” said the president.
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