Speaking at the 68th Independence Day celebration, he described as “worrying” the loss of sense of tolerance and pride in nationalism and patriotism as well as some social misdeeds retarding development and social cohesion.
He said few Ghanaians seemed to rarely care about events or activities taking place around them, as others look up to the government and politicians to provide all needs.
The colourful celebration held at the historic Victoria Park in the ancient city of Cape Coast where football was first played in Ghana, was beautified with an outstanding parade of 16 schools, with 517 contingents and 39 teachers, to embody the spirit of Ghana’s future leaders.
The primary level, have five schools each with 30 pupils and two teachers, totalling 160 participants whilst the Junior High School level mirrors this with five schools, contributing another 160.
The Senior High School level had four schools presenting 30 students each with two teachers, totalling 128, while Wesley Girls High School and Efutu Senior High Technical School honoured the celebration with their Cadet Corps, adding talent and splendour to the parade.
Highlighting the team for the celebration: “Reflect, Review and Reset”, Mr Braimah said “the much-needed development we hoped to achieve had eluded us for so many years due to unpatriotic acts.
“Our dear Mother Ghana lagged behind Malaysia and Singapore which had the same per capital income at the time of independence in 1957.
The development of this nation does not lie in the hands of governments alone, but in the hands of every citizen either as groups or as individuals.”
Mr Braimah said Ghanaians had lost the steam and the zeal with which the independence was achieved.
“Majority of us attend programmes very late and we are proud to call it, “the Ghanaian time”. The respect for elders is almost none existent these days.
“The communal spirit which used to fill our hearts no longer exist. Today majority of us ask what the Nation has done for us. What has the Assembly done for us instead of what have I done for the Nation and the Assembly to make it what we want it to be.”
On payment of taxes, he said on countless occasions those who did not pay taxes or rates were the loudest in asking “what the state or the Assembly is using their money for.”
He urged Ghanaians to be proud to contribute their quota to nation building by paying the required taxes and rates.
“ Some citizens will do everything possible to rather evade taxes and rates. It is only when you do these things, no matter how little, that you can expect the Government or the Assembly to be able to cater for your needs without much difficulty,” he explained.
Mrs Phyllis Asante-Keobea, the Cape Coast Metro Director of Education, asked Ghanaians to deeply reflect on 68 years of independence and celebrate the expansion of education access and the nurturing of talents that had propelled Ghana forward.
She said it was time to also review challenges such as inequities in resource distribution, infrastructure gaps and the need to align education with 21st-century demands.
“Let’s recommit to quality education that empowers every child, equips our youth with skills for a global economy and promotes creativity for national development.
“Today’s march past is more than a parade; it is a symbol of our collective resolve. Each step by our students echoes the discipline of our past heroes, each formation reflects our unity in diversity and each salute resets our focus on a shared vision,” she noted.
Mrs Asante-Keobea urged the students to commit to their academic work and exert their youthfulness into productive ventures of personal and national development.
“As you are the beams of this celebration, your energy today reminds us of the youth who marched alongside Dr Kwame Nkrumah in 1957, dreaming of a free Ghana.
“Carry this pride into your classrooms and communities, reflect on your potential, review your goals and reset your ambitions to build a Ghana that stands tall among nations.”
“Your roles whether in governance, security, health, or traditional leadership, reinforce the pillars of our democracy. Let us unite at this moment to honour our past and chart a bold future, resetting our commitment to a Ghana where every citizen prospers.”
Some schools that excelled during the parade were presented with certificates of recognition while some outstanding students also received awards.
GNA
