The Leadership of National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Friday called on Ghanaians to work for a society devoid of all the ills that June 4 stood against – poverty, disunity, oppression and corruption.
The call was made in a statement issued in Accra by Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, General Secretary of NDC to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 4 Uprising on Saturday, June 4.
This year’s celebration is on the theme:”Unity In Diversity-Our Strength.”
It said the Uprising was led by junior officers of the military mainly provoked by the nasty spectacle of corruption by the then ruling class and the abject poverty of the ordinary folk in the country.
“On behalf of the National Executive of the NDC, we salute all Ghanaians and indeed commend all those, who laid down their lives to check the downslide that Ghana had been plunged into before the uprising. Without doubt their gallantry had left a permanent imprint, on the politics of our dear country.
“The events of June Four 1979 woke Ghanaians up to the realisation that the country did not belong to the minority who then had monopolised power and the country's economic resources.
“It also empowered Ghanaians to appreciate that they each had a stake in the destiny of Mother Ghana. It was this major ideal of June 4 that spirited the tenets on which the National Democratic Congress was formed and for which reason the NDC is constitutionally bond to celebrate June 4 every year as “Accountability Day.
“As we prepare to mark the day with diverse activities, the NDC wishes that all Ghanaians will soberly reflect on the principles that the June 4 espoused which are as relevant today as they were at the time -the principles of probity, accountability, integrity and popular participation in the affairs of the country.
“We must first and foremost protect our freedoms through national unity, exercising moderation in times of debate and ensure that peace is our watchword.”
The statement said leadership of the NDC had directed that all branches of the Party throughout the country commemorate this “Accountability Day” with events in their various regions and districts.
At the national level, the main activities planned for Accra on Saturday, June 4, are a route march from Kawukudi Junction at 0600 hours through 37 Military Hospital to the Revolutionary Square where a parade will be held.
During the parade, wreaths will be laid in memory of the fallen heroes culminating in the lighting of the perpetual flame.
On the same day in Kumasi, an anniversary rally will take place at the Jubilee Park at 1400 hours.
“We wish to urge Ghanaians to re-dedicate themselves to the principles of June 4 and support the Government to successfully implement the agenda of a better Ghana,” the statement added.