MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have challenged Ghanaians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and volunteerism as a contribution to national development as Ghana marks Republic Day today.

MPs from both sides of the house on Thursday, made contributions in support of statements made by the Minister of Youth and Sports who is also the MP for Atwima Mponua and the MP for Domeabra Obom, Ms Sophia Karen Akuaku, and unanimously called on Ghanaians to advance the cause of the country in the spirit of patriotism.

Recognise senior citizens
Mr Asiama in his statement drew attention of the house to the need to recognise the great sacrifices senior citizens of the country had made in nation building at the cost of their lives.

“I would want us to ponder over how best we can inculcate the spirit of volunteerism and patriotism in our society especially at a time like this when some Ghanaians, especially the youth, are losing their sense of active citizenship, patriotism and also the will to voluntarily contribute to national development,” he told the house.

He asked the nation to continue to honour the memories of its forefathers and senior citizens who, through their spirit us volunteerism and patriotism, delivered “unto us this enviable nation called Ghana.”

Secure economic independence
Making her statement, Ms Akuaku said the hopes and aspirations of the people was to use the newly acquired self-determination to secure economic independence to the status of a modern state.

“It has been 57 years now, and introspective reflection of whether or not our aspirations have been met still remains a doubt in the minds of many Ghanaians,” she said.

In spite of that doubt, she acknowledged that the country had achieved some level of socio-economic and political development in the face of the numerous challenges.

Contributions
Contributing to the statement, the MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Mr Frank Annor-Dompreh, deplored the poor environmental situation and indiscipline that had engulfed the country.

He stressed the need for Ghanaians to have a change of attitude and urged the citizenry to take advantage of what he described as the audacious policies of the current administration such as the free senior high school policy and the one village one dam policy.

Source: graphiconline