Former President Rawlings congratulates Ghanaians on anniversary celebrations

Accra, March 04, GNA – Former President Jerry John Rawlings has called
on Ghanaians to make the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, a
pledge to each other to consolidate social justice, integrity and
honesty as the basis for the future.
He made the call in a goodwill message to Ghanaians both at home
and abroad, dignitaries and most especially Heads of State and all
friends of Ghana who had come to share in the nation's 50th
anniversary.
The message was issued in Accra at the weekend and signed by Mr
Victor Emmanuel Smith, Special Assistant and Director of Public
Affairs of the Office of Former President Rawlings.It said, "As a
citizen of Ghana and a Head of State for almost two decades of our 50
years of Independence, I deem it my responsibility to share my
thoughts with you with frankness and sincerity on the occasion of our
anniversary."
However, President Rawlings declined an offer by President John
Agyekum Kufuor to participate in the anniversary celebrations.He said
"I deeply regret that I cannot join President Kufuor's Government for
this anniversary. My conscience and my principles would not permit me.
I cannot share the same platform with the same people who have taken
every opportunity to denigrate us for the last seven years and see no
good in what we did for this country."
President Rawlings said"I join all of you in thanking our Creator
for bringing our dear country to the mature age of 50, I honour and
respect the memory of the late Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the patriot
and freedom fighter who not only led this country to independence from
colonial rule but also laid the foundation for Pan African freedom on
our Continent and in the Diaspora."
"I wish also to honour all those valiant men and women who made
sacrifices in various ways, as well as those who lost their lives
during the struggle for our independence from colonial rule,
"President Rawlings added.President Rawlings said "I honour every
decent hardworking Ghanaian citizen – our farmers, teachers, nurses,
doctors, security personnel, market women, all workers and the
numerous unemployed."
"I welcome the very many foreign dignitaries who have taken time
off their onerous responsibilities at home to be in Accra for this
anniversary, especially those who have played significant roles in the
struggle for justice in Africa," he added.
4 March 07