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The Vice-President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called for a national commitment to accountability and selfless service this year.
She stated accountability, openness, care, respect and selfless service as values that must guide national life, whether in public office, private enterprise or everyday community interactions.
She, therefore, urged Ghanaians to recommit themselves to the core values that have sustained the country over the years.
She was speaking at a durbar at Ada in the Greater Accra Region to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution, an event organisers said remained a defining moment in Ghana’s political history.
The commemorative activities included the lighting of the perpetual flame, a ceremonial durbar and wreath laying, as well as speeches, reflecting on the legacy and relevance of the revolution led by the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.
It was on the theme: “Consolidating the Reset Agenda: Reflections on the Gains of the 31st December Revolution.”
The perpetual flame was lit by the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, with the assistance of the NDC Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, and Kimathi Rawlings, both children of the late Rawlings.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Jerry John Rawlings, the Vice-President recalled his commitment to recognising the contributions of ordinary and often forgotten citizens who sacrificed for the nation.
She said the late President Rawlings consistently sought to push others forward rather than himself, describing it as a lesson in leadership and patriotism that remains relevant today.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said as the nation entered a new year, Ghanaians must not merely hope for improvement but consciously work towards making the year better through unity, discipline and service.
“We have a country to build, and everybody is part of it,” she said, urging citizens to avoid distractions and put Ghana first.
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, cautioned party members against sycophancy and arrogance of power, urging them to remain faithful to the founding ideals of the 31st December Revolution.
He reflected on the party’s resilience following its defeat in the 2016 general elections, a period he described as one when many believed the NDC had reached its end.
He attributed the endurance of the NDC to the revolutionary spirit ignited 44 years ago, stressing that the 31st December Revolution was not about individual ambition but a collective movement to serve the national interest.
“There is a spirit that holds this party together — a never-say-die spirit.
No matter how dark it becomes, that spirit always finds a way to rise again,” he said
The NDC General Secretary expressed concern about what he described as the growing culture of sycophancy within the party, warning that blind praise of leaders for personal gain undermined democratic values and the integrity of the party.
“You don’t love this country or this party if all you do is sing praises in the hope of personal benefit,” he cautioned.
He urged party members serving in government to remain disciplined and avoid scandals, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated.
He called on NDC members to place the country and the NDC above individual ambition, remain humble in victory and stay committed to the revolutionary principles that have sustained the party.
