<<Print>>

The Convention People�s Party (CPP) on Friday solemnly observed the 1966 Coup d��tat which overthrew Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana�s First President, with a call for reversal of the psychology of dependency. Nii Armah Akomfrah, CPP Director of Communication, noted that 46 years ago on February 24, the project to build in Ghana the model of a proud, strong and independent African country, as championed by the CPP under the visionary leadership of Dr Nkrumah, was derailed. He said since that day, Ghanaians had witnessed a steady erosion of the sense of self-confidence with which the first generation of African nationalist leaders inspired their populations as they set out to wage their campaign for the emancipation of all peoples of African origin. In a statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Nii Akomfrah said the loss of conviction manifests itself currently in the syndrome of the increasing dependence of African countries on foreign aid. Nii Akomfrah said the cost of the loss of self-belief was seen in the absence from government of an integrated vision of Ghana�s development, in the broader context of a reawakened African giant. He said determined and united in its ambition to transform the fortunes of its people and raise their standard of living to a level equal to or higher than that of any other continent. Nii Akomfrah said the challenge for Ghana now was to reverse the psychology of dependency and to resume her leadership role in piloting a programme of government based on maximising Africa�s competitive advantage through continental solidarity. He said based on this understanding of the historical role, �The CPP is grooming a new generation of leaders, with a new vision, new ideas and a new style of inclusive politics geared towards marshalling the talents and energies of every Ghanaian. �We pledge to pursue to a successful outcome the process we have already begun of renewing our party, with the objective of offering the Ghanaian electorate a coherent slate of popular alternative policies, designed to deliver harmonious social progress. �Rapid balanced economic growth; and capable, honest government that responds readily to the needs of all citizens,� he said. In commemorating the tragic events of February 24, 1966, this treasonous day of shame, the CPP will not suggest that a coup d��tat in the country�s history was more or less justifiable than the others. "Indeed, we believe that all the past unconstitutional changes of government in Africa set back the continent�s progress, as does the recent phenomenon of violent �r�gime change�, which some foreign powers endorse or even instigate as an acceptable surrogate for the military coup." Nii Akomfrah urged all other political parties across the continent to commit themselves similarly, to practicing and entrenching in the politics the culture of constitutional government with indigenous African characteristics that would best advance the long-term interests of the people. �We would also take this opportunity to signal our quest for justice on a wrong arising from February 24, 1966 - the issue of seized CPP assets. Seized properties of the CPP are legitimate properties of the CPP, acquired with the dues and contributions of ordinary CPP members and party affiliates. �It is thus not unreasonable to seek what is rightfully ours and the quest for justice has began,� he stated.