HARD WORK WILL PAY (JAN 2, 2009)

GHANAIANS from all walks of life ushered in the New Year with thanksgiving to God for guiding and guarding them through the difficulties caused by the global economic meltdown in 2009.
The typical Ghanaian character was on display on Thursday night in the churches and at social joints ready to usher in the New Year.
Even those in the drinking bars found time just before the clock ticked 12 midnight to enter churches to give thanks to God for the good things He had bestowed on us and the nation in the most challenging times of our national history.
At the beginning of 2009, the country emerged from one of the fiercely contested elections in our history, further deepening the polarisation in our country. Sceptics, both within and without, wondered whether Ghana would be able to manage the electioneering of 2008 and maintain the country as a shining example of a true democratic country to the rest of the world.
The peaceful transition notwithstanding, the country faced numerous challenges, key among them being the free fall of the cedi, rising inflation and a shattered economy. However, through hard work and tenacity of purpose, buoyed by the government’s austerity measures, the economy is once again on the path of recovery.
That optimism could be seen on the faces of churchgoers and revellers through the length and breadth of the country. President Mills was, therefore, right in stating that there was a brighter future ahead of the country.
Delivering his New Year message to the nation, he said the challenges faced last year would be confronted this year, pledging that life would be bearable for all.
Looking at the performance of the government during its first year in office, we share in the President’s position that the better part of last year was devoted to laying the foundation “that will put us in the right direction and I am convinced that with determination, our lives will be greatly enhanced”.
Around the continent and beyond, we can say without contradiction that Ghana is blessed and poised for a take-off, provided the people take their destiny into their hands.
The country is on the threshold of joining oil producers and that will help to free huge resources devoted to the importation of crude oil for other sectors.
Again, Ghana will participate in two major sporting events, Angola 2010 and South Africa 2010, where our players will be the focus, coming in the wake of our victory in the Under-20 World Cup tournament in Egypt last year.
Despite the positive outlook for 2010, success will not crown our efforts if we fail to work hard and eschew laziness and division in society.
And, as the President said, “There will be challenges, but whatever we do must be geared towards moving the country in the right direction. Let us have faith and optimism. This is the only nation we have and can only progress if we work conscientiously.”
The Daily Graphic believes that if our compatriots abide strictly by the demands of our national anthem, God will certainly bless our homeland Ghana to tower above the rest of the world.
We urge all to uphold and defend our Constitution and the laws of the land and also foster national unity and live in harmony with others.
If we play by the rules, work hard and pray to God, 2010 will produce the ray of hope all Ghanaians are eagerly looking forward to.
May peace and prosperity crown our efforts in 2010.