Ghana celebrates her 68th independence anniversary on March 6, 2025, under the theme “Reflect, Review, and Reset.” This theme is timely, as there is a growing consensus among the populace on the need to chart a new course in our national history.
As we mark this significant milestone, it is an opportune moment to pause, reflect, review, and reset our collective journey as a nation.
Not only did our independence mean the end of colonial shackles, but it also marked the beginning of a vision deeply rooted in equality, justice, and development.
From a theological perspective, this anniversary invites us to evaluate our position as a people, measure our progress against divine principles, and seek renewal for the future.
Interestingly, as Ghana marks this historic occasion, Christians, particularly Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and others, begin the season of Lent a day before Ghana’s independence anniversary.
Lent is a period when Christians engage in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, preparing their hearts for Easter. It is a time of deep reflection, repentance, and renewal.
Just as the Christians reflect on their spiritual journey during Lent, Ghana as a nation must also take this time to deeply reflect on her past, review her present, and seek renewal for the future.
Reflect: Remembering Our root
Amanzeba Nat Brew’s song Wogbejeke beautifully captures the essence of reflection, reminding us of our journey as a people. As a nation, we have traveled far, and it is essential to pause and look back, acknowledging our struggles, celebrating our victories, and drawing valuable lessons to shape our future.
The Bible repeatedly calls us to reflect. Deuteronomy 8:2 urges, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years…” Just as Israel was called to remember its past, Ghana too must revisit her history, recognizing the sacrifices, triumphs, and challenges that have defined her path.
Indeed, God has been blessed Ghana, as we proclaim in our national anthem. At independence in 1957, Ghana was a beacon of hope for Africa, the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule.
The euphoria of self-governance came with the responsibility to shape a nation anchored in truth and righteousness. 68 years, we must reflect on our adherence to the foundational values of freedom, justice, and national unity.
Have we upheld the moral and ethical principles that guided our forefathers? Have we lived up to the ideals of equity and peace? Reflection demands honesty and humility.
Review: Evaluating Our Present
While reflection involves deep thought and remembrance, review is about critical assessment. Lamentations 3:40 instructs us, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
To review means to analyze our present condition, measure our progress, and determine what needs to change. Ghana has made significant strides in democracy, economic growth, and peace-building.
However, challenges persist massive corruption, high youth unemployment, economic hardship, poor healthcare, social injustices among others. Are we governing with integrity? Are we fostering a society where justice prevails for all, regardless of social or political status?
The bible demands that we measure our leadership and national decisions against godly principles. The prophet Micah 6:8 reminds us of God’s expectation: “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
A review is not just about pointing out failures but also acknowledging growth. Ghana’s resilience as a stable democracy is commendable, but stability alone is not enough. Reviewing our progress should motivate us to correct our mistakes and build a stronger, more righteous nation.
Reset: Embracing Renewal and Transformation
After reflection and review comes the challenge to reset which is a biblical call to renewal. Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” This independence anniversary is a moment to recommit to national transformation.
Resetting means aligning our values with God’s standards and returning to the moral foundation that upholds justice, righteousness, and integrity. It is a call for national repentance, a collective turning away from corruption, greed, and selfishness.
Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” To reset our nation, we must strive for fairness in governance, the economy, and opportunities, ensuring that no citizen is left behind, and every person has access to justice and prosperity.
This reset also requires citizens to rise above partisan interests and work for the common good. Philippians 2:4 instructs, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” We must prioritize the welfare of the nation and the well-being of all its people over personal or political gain.
We should always uphold justice and integrity, regardless of political affiliation. Criticizing wrongdoing only when in opposition while ignoring it in power reflects bias and hypocrisy.
A healthy democracy requires accountability from all sides, ensuring leaders are held to the same ethical standards to achieve true progress and national unity.
Moreover, resetting calls us to a deep ecological consciousness. We are called to care for the environment as stewards of God’s creation. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
We must stop polluting our waters, littering our gutters, and destroying the biodiversity that sustains life. If we are to reset as a nation, we must embrace environmental stewardship, ensuring that we protect and preserve God’s creation for future generations.
Leaders must govern with humility and wisdom, acknowledging that true leadership comes from serving the people and seeking God’s guidance. James 1:5 teaches, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” In decision-making, leaders must seek divine direction to ensure that their actions align with God’s will and promote justice, peace, and prosperity for all.
The Church must also take up its prophetic role, advocating for righteousness, social justice, and being the voice of the voiceless. Isaiah 1:17 commands, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” The Church’s role in the country is to speak truth to power, calling both leaders and citizens to uphold the values of justice, equity, and compassion, while ensuring that those without a voice are heard and their rights protected
Resetting Ghana for the next chapter requires a renewed focus on education, innovation, and ethical leadership. It demands that we nurture the younger generation with godly principles, equipping them to lead with integrity and vision. We must build a society where every citizen, regardless of background, finds hope, opportunity, and dignity.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Ghana’s 68th independence anniversary, let this not be just another commemoration or a mere campaign slogan. Instead, let it be a divine call to reflect on our past, review our present, and reset for a future built on faith, integrity, and justice.
Just as Lent calls Christians to repentance and renewal, let this independence anniversary be a national moment of spiritual and moral awakening. True independence goes beyond political freedom, it is spiritual in nature. It is realized when our nation’s journey and future are aligned with God’s purpose and will. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong! Pax tecum.
REV. FR. STEPHEN KOFI SAKPAKU
