Ambassador Johnson’s Independence Day Message

STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR PHILBERT I.K.A JOHNSON ON THE OCCASION OF THE SIXTY-FIFTH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF GHANA – 6TH MARCH 2022 

Dear Compatriots,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

On this auspicious occasion of the 65th Independence Anniversary of Ghana, it is my honour and privilege to extend to you, fellow countrymen and women in Austria, warm felicitations.

Sixty-five years of Ghana’s independence should make us all proud as a people, irrespective of our challenges. As a country, we have come a long way in our attempts to “establish a just and free society, where every Ghanaian has the opportunity to live decent, productive, and meaningful life”.

Since 2020, the  COVID-19 pandemic has had significant negative impact on the world with far-reaching consequences for vulnerable populations in fragile economies.  The pandemic has not only taken the lives of millions of people but has also affected livelihoods and social life, thereby, placing a heavy mental and emotional toll on mankind. This situation has been exacerbated by the slowdown in the global economy and the  rising cost of crude oil at a time when developing countries are facing serious resource mobilisation constraints.  

If there is anything to learn from this pandemic and current global economic trends, it is the value of unity, close relationships, and cooperation as well as a focused determination towards sustainable national development. “Working Together, Bouncing Back Better”, the theme for this year’s Independence Anniversary could, therefore, not only be timely but appropriate. It is a clarion call for all of us to come together as one people with a common destiny to support our country’s development, knowing that by working together, we can effectively recover from the pandemic and develop Ghana Beyond Aid.

On its part, the Government of Ghana is making efforts to build skills to deepen the quality and impact of services, build stronger institutions to deliver efficient services, provide the necessary infrastructure to support business,  improve access to sustainable long term finance and maintain financial sustainability. 

Dear Compatriots, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nation building is a collective enterprise and  the responsibility of citizens, both at home and abroad. Our achievements as a country, will depend on our collective commitment and targeted efforts towards the attainment of our  aspirations. Therefore, as we commemorate the 65th Anniversary of our independence, let us steadfastly build together, “a nation strong in unity, with our gifts of mind and strength of arm, whether night or day, in the midst of storm, in every need, whatever the call may be, to serve Ghana, now and evermore”.

I thank you for your attention.