The black man is capable of managing his own affairs. It all started, six decades and seven years ago, Dr. Francis Kwame Nkrumah brought a new wave of hope into the hearts and minds of Africans. The earth trembled with sounds of victory, rejoicing over an independent nation; the first in all of sub-Saharan Africa. “Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever.” – a snippet of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s independence day speech.
A hard-fought battle to save us from the oppression of our colonial masters. By the blood and toil of our fathers we enjoy freedom. It is up to us now to manage this hard earned freedom, and defend our black star. The black star dream, hope for Africa.
Growing up in Accra, I used to believe I was living the black star dream. Pledging everyday to uphold and defend the good name of my country. Every year on the 6th of March, I am reminded of the day my independence was declared mine.
To be honest, no matter how many times I pledge. nothing changes. In constant reflection of the fact that until I change my attitude, nothing would ever change. We had within our grasp a great opportunity for developing a continent endowed with so much wealth. But unfortunately, we handed it back to the same oppressors we resisted.
Ghana is capable of handling her own affairs, but incapable of trusting her own people. Ghana is beyond self-reliant. She is terrified to pass laws because it threatens our economic stability and dependency. The rate of unemployment is higher than ever, with the average university graduate sitting at home with hopes of a good job with a degree certificate.
This is not the Ghana I dreamt of. Our leaders have replaced hope into a frightening sense of helplessness. In December 2021, I was terrified when a speaker of parliament declared “if Ghana was a company, it would have filed for bankruptcy.” Are we being led into a ditch?
How long would my beloved country stay low? How long would we rely on external organizations for economic growth?
We must identify the cause of our predicament. I remain optimistic about the black star dream.
MAY GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA AND MAKE OUR NATION GREAT ON STRONG. MAY HE GIVE US STRENGTH TO RESIST OPPRESSORS RULE WITH ALL OUR WILL AND MIGHT FOREVER MORE.
Happy Independence day, Ghana!
Written by NYELLE GRACE ELORM AMEGEE (YEAR 12)