‘Yen Ara Asaase Ni’

Nimdeɛ ntraso, nkoto-kranne;
Ne pɛsɛmenkomenya,

Adi yɛn bra mu dεm, ama yɛn asaase hɔ dɔ atomu sɛ.

The above immortalised words is taken from our own “Yen Ara Asaase Ni” by Ephraim Amu, which literally means;

Bragging of educational achievements; Or useless greed for material things,

And bad lifestyles are destroying our nation, and disgracing it.

Even though I have known and sang this song since my elementary school years, I must confess I did not know the meaning until a few years ago. And I am very sure I am not the only guilty person.

In an elementary school classroom filled with energetic children, the teacher asked the students to respond to two questions. The first question was: “What do you like most about living in this country?” The answers come quickly: The beautiful land and peace, the gold and cocoa, the many things to do and see, the freedom, the friendly people, and on and on. After the children finish their responses, the teacher asks a second and more important question: “So what can you do to make Ghana better?”

It is one thing to appreciate Ghana’s history and uniqueness and marvel at its beauty and struggle; it is another thing to take an active part in preserving its strengths, perpetuating its ideals, and defending the values it holds dear. Ghana is best loved up close and personal, not at a detached distance. And, of course, while extraordinary, Ghana as we all can attest is not without vexing problems and concerns. But a country does not have to be perfect to be beloved. In fact, our love for our country is what inspires us to find ways to overcome its flaws and shortcomings. And one thing we love so much about Ghana is the freedom and opportunity it grants us to tirelessly pursue improvement and progression.

We make our nation great and strong by getting informed and involved in good causes, by working together despite our differences, by helping each other and lifting those around us.

As a nation, we will remain strong and free if we constructively work to improve our communities. We will continue to stand as a light of freedom and justice to the world if we uphold the values and good principles upon which this nation was founded.

In another country an inspired writer read a book about the creation of the Constitution of his country. He read about the passionate dedication of the founders of his nation; a nation that would one day become a symbol of freedom for the world. As he read, he felt inspired; so inspired that he wrote a song and called it “American Anthem.” The song has been performed at presidential inaugurations and was featured in a popular documentary about World War ll. Gene Scheer said he wanted it to be a “rallying call,” reminding citizens; including himself, of our responsibility “to get out there and … do something” for the country.

This is what he wrote:

All we’ve been given


By those who came before


The dream of a nation


Where freedom would endure


The work and prayers of centuries


Have brought us to this day.

What shall be our legacy?


What will our children say?


Let them say of me


I was one who believed


In sharing the blessings
I received

Let me know in my heart


When my days are through


America, America,
I gave my best to you.

This month, in particular, we remember the birth of a Republic. Our pioneers served so nobly, gave so much, to preserve and defend the good name of Ghana and all that we hold dear. “The dream of a nation where freedom would endure” would still be only a dream if not for their selfless service.

At the same time, the sacred responsibility to keep the dream alive belongs not only to the women and men who have sworn oaths as Presidents and Parliamentarians do. All who are blessed by our nation’s legacy have a duty to preserve and defend it. As the anthem declares, freedom has endured thus far through “the work and prayers of centuries,” and that is how it will continue. That work surely includes standing up for freedom and taking seriously our shared civic duty. It must include shunning contention, respecting and valuing others, listening to and learning from those different from us, and simply being neighbourly and kind.

If we can do that, then perhaps someday our children and grandchildren will read about us and feel grateful and inspired; grateful for the legacy we have passed along and inspired to preserve it for another generation.

True patriots are those who cherish freedom and do their part to improve and strengthen the land they love. We would do well to answer the question posed to the schoolchildren: “What can you do to make it better?”

Ɔman no, sɛ ɛbɛyɛ yie o
Ɔman no, sɛ ɛrenyɛ yie o;
Ɛyɛ nsɛnnahɔ sɛ, Ɔmanfo bra na ɛkyerɛ.

Whether or not this nation prospers!

Whether or not this nation prospers!;

Clearly depends on the character of the citizens of the nation.

Email: samueleghan@gmail.com

By Samuel Enos Eghan