 The 105th birthday of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was commemorated in Accra yesterday, with a call on Ghanaians to allow the ideals, principles and vision of the late President to guide their behaviour.“Today, as we celebrate a great man and his memory, we should let his vision, ideals, lifestyles and principles guide our behaviour and actions as Ghanaians,” President John Dramani Mahama said in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of the Interior, Mr Mark O. Woyongo, at the Forecourt of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
The event attracted some members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional rulers and representatives of political parties.
Wreath laying
Wreaths were laid in memory of the late President, with Mr Woyongo laying the first wreath on behalf of the government; Dr Francis Nkrumah, the first son of Dr Nkrumah, laying one on behalf of the family, while Ms Samia Nkrumah, a daughter, laid one on behalf of Convention People’s Party (CPP).
Vision for relevant
President Mahama said Dr Nkrumah made many sacrifices in his journey towards Ghana’s independence, as well as that of the African continent.
He said the late President had a vision far beyond his era and a vision for the political and socio-economic integration of the African continent.
“Today, as we celebrate this noble son of Africa, Dr Nkrumah’s vision and ideologies have become more relevant, which have to be pursued in our national agenda for political and socio-economic development,” the President stated.
Dr Francis Nkrumah
On behalf of the Nkrumah Family, Dr Francis Nkrumah expressed gratitude to the government and Ghanaians for continuing to honour the memory of his father.
“The Founder’s Day instituted by Professor John Evan Atta Mills remains a beacon of hope for the youth and, now more than ever, the ideals of nationalism and patriotism have become crucial to the development, resurgence and victory of our beloved country.
“As we remember his birthday, let us also remember his dreams and vision for Africa,” he added.
Samia Nkrumah
For her part, Ms Nkrumah pledged the support of the CPP to ensure that the leading role played by former President Nkrumah “keeps burning”.
“We will make sure that his vision for self-reliance, strong and dignified Ghana where there are fair opportunities for all the people are realised,” she said.
“We promise to ensure that Ghanaians would be at the commanding height of the economy and make sure that our industries are revamped,” she added. |
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(Selorm) | 
(Nana Kwesi)