Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on the younger generation to uphold the values and enduring principles of Ghana’s founding fathers to drive national growth and development.
He emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the resilient spirit of the nation’s founders in all endeavors.
Speaking at a seminar marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in Accra, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the significance of maintaining the values and principles that defined the struggle for freedom.
The event, themed “Our Tradition, Our Heritage,” was attended by members of the NPP Council of Elders and other key party figures.
Dr. Bawumia underscored the pivotal role of the UGCC, founded on August 4, 1947, in Saltpond, Central Region.
He noted that the UGCC was the first political party in the Gold Coast, aiming to liberate the people from British colonial rule and establish sovereignty. The party’s formation marked the initiation of self-governance.
The pioneers behind the UGCC, including J.B. Danquah and George Grant, advocated for self-government in the shortest possible time.
Their efforts inspired many to join the struggle for independence, leading to the 1948 riots and eventually Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that the UGCC laid the groundwork for Ghana’s political development and the establishment of the NPP and its antecedent parties.
He stated that the NPP has consistently built upon the ideologies of the UGCC to suit the country’s needs, safeguarding self-governance and striving for a better Ghana.
Reflecting on the achievements of the UGCC’s successors, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the contributions of the Progress Party under Prime Minister Busia and the NPP under Presidents J.A. Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo.
He noted that the NPP has advanced the vision of a democratic Ghana where liberty is cherished, the dignity of individuals is respected, and private capital and property are protected.
Dr. Bawumia also acknowledged the significant progress made under the NPP in expanding the free market economy and improving the living conditions of Ghanaians.
He cited the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, the introduction of the Capitation Grant, and social interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Programme, School Feeding, Free Antenatal Services, and the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Additionally, he lauded President Akufo-Addo’s implementation of the Free SHS and Free TVET initiatives, describing them as the largest social interventions in the nation’s history.
Dr. Bawumia concluded by emphasizing the transformative power of education and the need to uphold the founding vision to build a democratic society with continued achievements.
The event served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the UGCC and the ongoing responsibility to uphold the principles that have shaped Ghana’s political landscape.
