In a resounding call to action, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to renew their dedication to the service of Mother Ghana. The rallying cry for national unity came during a significant durbar of Guan-speaking communities in Winneba, Ghana, marking the climax of the 8th Congress and the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Guan Congress. The President’s charge, delivered by Mr. Dan Botwe, the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, resonates as a call to overcome challenges, sustain growth, and promote unity among the Guan people.
Unity in Diversity
The theme of the celebration, “40 years of promoting unity among the Guan people; overcoming challenges and sustaining growth and development,” reflects the President’s emphasis on fostering unity. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of contributing individually and collectively to overcoming challenges while working towards sustainable growth and development. In a diverse nation like Ghana, promoting unity is not just a goal but a necessity for progress.
Historical Significance and Cultural Heritage
Acknowledging the historical significance of the Guans as the first settlers of Ghanaland, President Akufo-Addo lauded the efforts of organizers, including Neenyi Ghartey VII and Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for their role in bringing together Eminent Chiefs, Queen Mothers, and Guan-speaking people. The President emphasized the need for Guans to promote and preserve their rich cultural heritage for future generations, echoing the sentiments expressed by former President John Dramani Mahama.a
The Vision of the Guan Congress
Mr. Gyadu Nkansa, the National President of the Guan Congress, highlighted the visionary origins of the Congress in November 1981, conceived by Anyenum Kwame Apene. He underscored the importance of broadening the Congress’s membership to include Guan-speaking communities in the Western and Central regions, despite challenges posed by assimilation and influences from neighboring non-Guan communities.
A Call for Strengthening
To make the theme meaningful and effective, Mr. Nkansa emphasized the need for resources and strengthened efforts. He urged all members to unite, preserve their identity, and position the Guan Congress as a vital entity in contemporary Ghana. The call for dedication extends beyond individual commitment to a collective effort to keep the flame of Guan identity burning brightly.
President Akufo-Addo’s call for dedication resonates as a powerful directive for Ghanaians to unite, overcome challenges, and contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the nation. The Guan Congress’s 40th-anniversary celebration becomes more than a commemoration; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, unity, and a shared vision for a prosperous Ghana. As the call echoes through the Guan communities, it serves as an inspiration for all Ghanaians to come together, celebrate their heritage, and build a stronger, more united nation.