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As Ghana marks 68 years of independence, it is an opportune moment for deep reflection. Independence was not merely a historical event; it was a sacrifice, a journey toward self-determination, and a promise to build a prosperous nation for generations yet unborn. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, declared that&nbsp;“The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.”



Today, the real question is: What does independence mean to us now? Are we truly liberated economically, socially, and politically? Or have we merely shifted from colonial subjugation to economic dependency? As many of our fellow citizens flee the country in search of greener pastures, we must realize that no matter where we go, we remain Ghanaians, our heritage, culture, and history are woven into our identity.



Yesterday, in a discussion with a British friend, she said something profound:&nbsp;“Everybody can be British, but not everybody can be English.”&nbsp;That is the core of their identity, they protect it, nurture it, and carry it with pride. Ghanaians must learn from this. No matter how far we travel, no matter which passport we acquire, our true identity remains Ghanaian. Our children’s children will look for their roots, and if we do not build Ghana today, they will inherit a land of struggle and broken dreams.



Many nations that were once at the same economic level as Ghana have soared into global prominence. South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Rwanda serve as prime examples of nations that embraced sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism to transform their destinies. These nations built strong economies, efficient governance, and a sense of national pride. They did not wait for external saviors; they paid the price of national development.



Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, made tough but necessary decisions to shift his country from a fishing village to an economic powerhouse. In Rwanda, Paul Kagame instilled discipline and national consciousness to rebuild a nation once torn apart by genocide. If they did it, why can’t Ghana? The difference is mindset the belief that&nbsp;no one will build our country for us unless we do it ourselves.



We must ask ourselves:



Are we willing to sacrifice for our country as our forefathers did?



Are we ready to prioritize Ghana’s interests over personal gains?



Are we committed to making Ghana a better place for future generations?



Paying the Price for National Development



Transformation comes at a cost. No great nation was built on comfort and convenience. Marcus Garvey once said,&nbsp;“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”&nbsp;Ghana has deep roots in strength and resilience, but we must water this tree with sacrifice, hard work, and national pride.



Here are some key areas where we must pay the price:



Hard Work &amp; Productivity – We must embrace discipline and eschew laziness. Countries like South Korea and Japan thrive because of a strong work ethic and national discipline.



Industrialization &amp; Self-Reliance – Ghana must shift from an import-driven economy to a production-oriented economy. If we produce what we consume, we reduce dependency.



National Service &amp; Commitment – Every Ghanaian must contribute to national building, whether in governance, education, health, or industry.



Fighting Corruption &amp; Entitlement – Corruption has drained Ghana’s wealth for decades. We must hold leaders accountable and reject the culture of shortcuts and favoritism.



Education &amp; Skills Development – We must prioritize knowledge, innovation, and technical skills to create a globally competitive workforce.



Reigniting the Spirit of Black Freedom &amp; Patriotism



The independence struggle was powered by patriotic fire and determination. Our ancestors did not give up. They believed in Ghana, and they fought for it. Where is that fire today? Where is the unyielding Ghanaian spirit that defied colonial rule?



Dr. Kwame Nkrumah once declared,&nbsp;“We face neither East nor West; we face forward.”&nbsp;Ghana must face forward again, not looking to foreign aid but tapping into our own resources, talents, and strength.



Patriotism is not just singing the national anthem or waving the flag on Independence Day, it is about protecting, developing, and sacrificing for Ghana. It is about making tough decisions, demanding accountability, and working relentlessly to make Ghana a country that offers opportunity, dignity, and prosperity to all.



I will Conclude saying: This Is Our Land, Our Heritage, Our Identity



No one will build Ghana for us. If we do not fix our governance, economy, and national values, our future generations will suffer. It is time to ignite the same spirit that won us independence in 1957. It is time to be bold, hardworking, and united in purpose.



This land is ours—not just for today, but for the future. Let’s sacrifice now, so our children’s children will inherit a nation of dignity, prosperity, and pride. Let’s stop running away. Let’s stay, build, and leave a legacy that history will remember.



Ghana, Let’s Rise Again!



“Forward Ever, Backward Never!”&nbsp;– Dr. Kwame Nkrumah “Africa for the Africans, at home and abroad!”



– Marcus Garvey “The Black man is capable of managing his own affairs.”&nbsp;– Dr. Kwame Nkrumah



Let this be our call to action. Ghana at 68 is not just another anniversary—it is a reminder that the future belongs to those willing to fight for it.



By Roger T.D Wills, Economist and Financial &amp; Policy analysts

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Ghana@68: A call to sacrifice, patriotism, and national transformation

AUTHOR: CHRISTOPHER RANSON

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