The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Issahaku Tahiru Moomin has said Ghana's democracy after independence would have been meaningless if the fundamental human rights of the citizens were being trampled on.
Alhaji Moomin made the remarks during the Wa Municipal edition of the 67th Independence Day celebration at Charia in the Wa Municipality.
He said democracy was the foundation upon which the nation stood and that it was the bedrock that ensured that the voices of every citizen were heard, valued and respected.
Alhaji Moomin touted the adoption of constitutional rule, the institution of an electoral commission, the adoption of political pluralism, and the independence of the judicial system as some grand strides made by the country towards promoting democracy and protecting citizens' rights.
"All these structures put in place would have been meaningless even after Independence if citizens had their fundamental human rights trampled on," he said.
He said Ghana served as an inspiration to aspiring democracies in the world due to her commitment to upholding democratic values, respecting human rights and ensuring the rule of law which put her ahead in the sub-region.
Alhaji Adamu N.S. Dasana, the Proprietor of Bomandi Preparatory School, a participating school in the march past, said the Independence Day celebration was important as it helps to reflect on Ghana’s journey to independence and sets new directions for the nation's development.
He added that the event also helps children and students to learn more about Ghana's history in its tangible form aside from learning from books.
He further indicated that the day helps to foster unity among the Ghanaian people, especially political parties, citing the peaceful atmosphere that ensued at the event where both political parties [NPP and NDC] displayed their colours in harmony.
Mr Moomen Yussif, the Upper West Regional Free Senior High School Coordinator, said Independence Day serves as a reminder that the Ghanaian people come from a common ancestry and have a common purpose to fulfill which is to ensure the continuous forward march of the country.
He, thus, called for unity among the Ghanaian people, especially as the country heads to the polls later in the year.
He said unity of purpose and tolerance have been the pillars that helped sustain the country's independence and democracy and urged for their continuous upholding.
Every March 6, Ghanaians gather to reflect on the day the country's forebears led by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah succeeded in liberating Ghana from colonial rule when he declared, "Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever."
The theme for this year's Independence Day celebration is "Our Democracy, Our Pride."