Wreath laying ceremonies were held in Accra on Monday, July 27, 2020 to mark this year’s Emancipation Day aimed at rekindling unity amongst blacks across the globe.
This year’s commemoration themed: “Our heritage, our strength; Leveraging our resilience, Black Lives Matters” seeks to rally Africans to speak against injustices and marshal efforts at eliminating all forms of cruelty meted against the black race.
The event, led by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Barbara Oteng Gyasi, was held at the W.E.B Du Bois Centre, George Padmore Library, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which are dedicated to the memory of the three great Pan-Africanists.
Mrs Oteng-Gyasi, in her brief remark, mentioned some issues of division that often rise amongst Africans, urging that such energies are re-directed to promoting a united African continent.
“Our forebears championed the common good of all Africans instead of petty fights that further divide us, and we must use this day to reflect on their works and strive to honour their memory.”
Making specific reference to Ghana, Mrs Oteng-Gyasi urged citizens to do all they can to promote and sustain the peace and stability currently being enjoyed in the country “before and after the December 7 elections.”
“We must make sure we bequeath a peaceful nation to the younger generation, so that they can be able to realise their full potentials to the benefit and development of the country,” she advised.
On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyeman said “Ghana will not give up remembering the struggle of our ancestors who stood for us” having been the first country on the African continent to mark the day.
Highlighting the relationship and common history of the African struggle on the continent of Europe and the Americans, he adviced Africans to embrace their culture and heritage.
Citing the recent killing of George Floyd, an African American in the United States as an example, Mr Agyeman urged that “we remain resilient in keeping up the struggle against crime, injustice, economic underperformance and all forms of social vices.”
Acting Director of the W.E.B Dubois Memorial Centre, Reverend Reuben Kwasi Kwadzofio, speaking on behalf of his colleagues stated that “the emancipation project is not over until black lives and dignity are respected and considered as sacrosanct by all races of the world.”
He urged Africans to take inspiration from its roots and history to drive the present life, noting that “Emancipation Day has not only become an institution in Africa but a very useful tool for the mobilisation of African people to bring finality to the African struggle.”
Source: Daily Mail GH
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