Ghana’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), His Excellency Joseph Annim, has charged the Ghanaian peacekeepers to keep the Flag of Ghana aloft. 

HE Joseph Annim was speaking as the special guest of honour at Ghana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebration organised by MONUSCO GHANBATT 13, the Ghanaian peacekeeping contiggent in that country, at Incal Complex in Kinshasa, DR Congo, on Monday 6 March 2017.

He appealed to the peacekeepers, including Ghanaian Military Observers, Staff Officers and Ghanaian citizens resident in DR Congo, to shun all forms of negative tendencies that may besmirch the reputation of Ghana and regenerate in them a high sense of patriotism as worthy ambassadors.

This would propel them to improve upon the gains and successes of their forefathers so that their sacrifices would not be in vain, he said.

 

He further stated that the progress and prosperity of Ghana must be a collective responsibility of all who bore the Ghanaian identity. He added that the sacrifices made by the forefathers should inspire them to move ahead as one people with a new resolve, new energy, new vision and new hope. They should also endeavour to fulfill those responsibilities towards their motherland whilst encouraging others to do the same. 

Moreover, HE Joseph Annim said through the Armed Forces, Ghana had remained resolute and had since moved on to serve humanity in peacekeeping missions globally to ensure peace, security and stability in conflict inflicted countries.

He recalled that Ghana was the first country in Africa, under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 143of 14 July 1960, to have provided 2000 troops for the United Nations Operations in the Congo (ONUC) in order to help restore peace and stability after she gained her independence in 1957.

Recounting the incidents that led to the nationwide struggle for independence and its subsequent attainment, Ambassador Joseph Annim said that the last straw that broke the camel’s back was the infamous 28 February Christiansburg Crossroads  Shooting Incident in which three ex-servicemen were shot dead whilst on their way to present their petition to the then Governor of the Gold Coast.

He intimated further that the shooting of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey-Lamptey served as the catalyst which emboldened the Ghanaian people to demand independence and the immediate withdrawal of the British colonialists from the nation’s affairs.

“The role of the servicemen and women in the quest for freedom, peace and stability is as important today as it was in the days of Ghana’s independence struggle because we live in troubled and dangerous times,” he said.

Therefore, the 60th Independence Anniversary should inspire Ghanaians everywhere to exhibit foresight, dedication and interest in creating suitable conditions for a better development of the nation in line with the theme of the anniversary: “Mobilising for Ghana’s Future.”

The Commanding Officer of GHANBATT (Ghana Battalion) 13, Lieutenant Colonel William Kwabiah in his welcome address thanked all present on behalf of the CONTICO (Contingent Commander), Brigadier General NiiAyiteyAryeetey, for their enormous support since the Unit inserted in the Mission Area.  He urged all to participate and enjoy the Independence Day celebrations.

Prior to the 60th Independence Anniversary celebration, there were series of activities lined up to mark the day. This included pre-independence anniversary cultural display by the Akan, Ga Adangbe, Ewe and Northern Cultural Groups,inter-company quiz competition, a documentary on Ghana’s independence and Film Show, All Ranks Dance which was graced by the Ambassador, Contingent Commander and some invited guests from other contingents; as well as inter-company sports competition.

The pre-independence anniversary activities were crowned with a thanksgiving religious parade to thank God for His mercies, protection and blessings upon Ghana.

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Story by Sgt Nonna Sokka