The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bolgatanga, Rolland Atanga Ayoo, has called on residents to work together in unity and commitment to build prosperity and restore hope in the municipality and the country at large.
He made the call during the Bolgatanga Municipal Independence Day parade held at Jubilee Park as Ghana marked its 69th Independence Anniversary under the theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
In his address, Mr. Ayoo reflected on Ghana’s journey to independence in 1957 and the sacrifices made by the country’s forebears who fought for freedom from colonial rule. He noted that the struggle for independence was not only about political liberation but also about creating a future built on unity, responsibility, and self-determination.
“Our nation broke free from colonial rule with a bold declaration that Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa. That declaration was not merely political; it was a call to responsibility, unity, and self-determination.”
According to him, the meaning of independence has evolved over the years to include economic empowerment, social justice, accountability, and inclusive development for all citizens. He stressed that national progress depends on creating opportunities for the youth, supporting farmers and traders, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every Ghanaian.
“Sixty-nine years later, we are reminded that independence is not only about political freedom; it is about economic empowerment, social justice, accountability, and inclusive development. It is about creating opportunities for our youth, supporting our farmers and traders, strengthening our institutions, and ensuring that every citizen feels the benefits of this development.”
“The theme, Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope, speaks directly to our present moment. Prosperity does not happen by chance. It is built through hard work, discipline, innovation, and unity,” he said.
Mr. Ayoo said the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly remains committed to promoting local economic growth through support for small and medium-scale enterprises, improvement in infrastructure, increased agricultural productivity, and investments in education and skills development.
“As a municipality, we are committed to promoting local economic growth by supporting small and medium enterprises, improving infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, and investing in education and skills training,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of various groups within the municipality, including farmers, artisans, teachers, health workers, and young people, describing them as key drivers of local development.
The MCE further urged young people to take their education seriously, maintain discipline, and embrace innovation and technology, noting that the future of the country depends on the values and skills they develop today.
“My dear students, you represent the future of this great nation. Take your education seriously and uphold discipline and integrity. Embrace innovation and technology because Ghana depends on the values you cultivate today,” he said.
He also encouraged citizens to demonstrate patriotism by protecting public property, obeying the laws, paying taxes, and contributing positively to their communities.
Mr. Ayoo emphasised the need for unity among Ghanaians, stating that despite political, ethnic, and religious differences, citizens share a common destiny and must work together to overcome challenges and advance national development.
“Together, let us build a municipality where businesses flourish, where our youth find meaningful employment, where women are empowered, and where every child has access to quality education. Together, let us restore hope by demonstrating that the promise of independence is alive and achievable. May we continue to move forward in unity,” he urged.
The Independence Day parade brought together several schools in the municipality, including Bolgatanga Experimental Primary School, St. Clements Primary School, Zamse Senior High Technical School, and Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School, among others.
Also participating in the colourful march-past was the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Bolgatanga Task Force.
Traditional leaders, security personnel, members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), media practitioners, and other dignitaries were also in attendance.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
