The Republic Day commemoration has simply lost its meaning because of the country’s departure from the founding principles of self reliance. That is according to retired diplomat K. B Asante who was also a Secretary to Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. 52 years ago today, Ghana became a Republic under the leadership of Dr. Nkrumah. But as the country celebrates the attainment of a republic status today, K.B Asante says the aspirations that underpinned the fight for liberation has been lost on Ghanaians making today’s commemoration meaningless. 50 years ago we wanted much more and I think we have not achieved that. By this we should have had a development plan like Malaysia has done and move forward; relying mainly on ourselves. Self reliance and letting Ghanaians believe they can do it. There is too much reliance on outside. He said our so-called development partners only seek their supreme interest charging the future depends upon ourselves. “Self reliance is of the essence,” he said. He was unequivocal in his belief that the significance of Republic Day has been lost with the day only marked with receptions for the aged.