Political Independence without Economic Independence has subjugated our sovereignty at the whims and caprices of other nations.
Ghana gained her independence on 6th March 1957. That day was considered a great day for freedom not only for Ghana but for Africa, because Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was seen as the voice of Africa.
In many circles, Dr. Nkrumah is considered to be a hero while other schools of thought believe otherwise.
Let’s analyse this assertion. it is an undisputed fact that Nkrumah’s legacy will forever live on. His achievements alone speak volumes of his legacy from the construction of the Akosombo Dam, Tema motorway, establishment of Tema Harbour, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology and many more.
It is also an undisputed fact that he was an autocratic leader as well. History has it that after gaining independence, he wanted to make Ghana a one party state where no one could contest him, unless the person was a member of the CPP. Some also called him a tyrant, because of his dictatorial attitude. Every human being may always have his/her low parts and Dr. Nkrumah is no exception.
The One Party State system is built around an Influential political leader and party . This system was adopted by the UP Tradition when they built their party around some influential political leaders like Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia; second Prime Minister of the Second Republic of Ghana. Dr. K. A. Busia, who later formed the Progress Party and led the country for 27 months. As an opposition leader of the first opposition party, he influenced the people on the need to have a strong opposition against the then one party system. Through the UP tradition, the NPP was born in 1992, and so the NPP capitalised on this tradition and eventually won power in 2001 against NDC.
However, The Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC ) was also formed around FLT. LT. Jerry John Rawlings which later became the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Under the leadership of FLT. LT. Jerry John Rawlings, who also later became the first elected president in the Forth Republic on the ticket of the NDC.
So in 1992 we moved from a One Party System to a Multi Party System. Although constitutionally, Ghana started multi party democracy in 1992, but due to the influence of one party system which was introduced by Dr. Nkrumah, the so called major parties are now practising a Two Party System.
The NPP and NDC have only decided to expand on what the CPP started.
Now after 62years, we have sold most of our national assets, Including our airline, telecommunication company,shipping company, our electrical power company and many more. Our national anthem is sang in English, filth all over. As a country, English is our national language and not a Ghanaian local language . Corruption on the rise, indiscipline among our political leaders and people.
Even our creative industry has been overpowered by more foreign materials.
On a special day like this, there are some power outages in some parts of the country. On Sporting field, no Gold medal no Cup. Ghana are we truly independent ?
For Ghana to move forward, we need true liberation of mental slavery from partisan politics. A chance for Independent Presidential System is a panacea for the Working Ghana Agenda (WGA) to fight for Economic Freedom that gives through liberty for development.
By Jacob Osei Yeboah|Former independent presidential candidate|3news.com