Ghanaian musician Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, has called on Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to uphold patriotism, unity and national pride as the country reflects on the sacrifices that led to Ghana’s independence.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Ruth Dela Seddoh in Accra-Tema on Monday, September 21, 2026, Stonebwoy said Ghana’s independence was not simply handed to the country but was achieved through collective efforts, determination and sacrifice by people from different backgrounds.
According to him, the struggle involved market women, ex-service personnel, students, farmers, traders and people from various social backgrounds who put aside their differences and united behind the quest for self-determination.
He said the experience demonstrated that unity was one of the greatest weapons used in achieving independence.
Stonebwoy noted that political, ethnic and religious differences were put aside at the time, with different groups contributing to the broader struggle for self-rule.
He said one major lesson from Ghana’s independence history is the importance of self-determination and the ability of Africans to think for themselves rather than depend entirely on external assistance.
Stonebwoy further pointed to the emphasis placed by Ghana’s independence leaders on education, industrialisation and self-reliance, saying those principles remain relevant to the country’s development today.
He also highlighted the role of young people in Ghana’s independence struggle, noting that several of the leaders who spearheaded the movement were relatively young.
According to him, Kwame Nkrumah was about 39 years old in 1948, a reminder that young people have historically played a significant role in shaping the destiny of the nation.
He therefore urged the youth to recognise that they are not too young to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
Stonebwoy also called for a renewed spirit of patriotism, expressing concern about what he described as a growing tendency among some Ghanaians to focus more on what the country can do for them rather than what they can contribute to the nation.
He urged citizens to be mindful of how they speak about Ghana, particularly on social media, arguing that national challenges should not become an excuse to constantly denigrate the country.
“Every country has its troubles,” he said, stressing the need for Ghanaians to work collectively to address the challenges confronting the country.
The musician said he considers it part of his responsibility to represent Ghana positively through his music and international engagements.
He urged Ghanaians to uphold the country’s image and contribute to its development regardless of their political, ethnic or religious backgrounds.
Stonebwoy further stressed the importance of a collective Ghanaian identity, noting that when Ghanaians travel outside the country, their first identity is often simply that of being Ghanaian.
He therefore called for a stronger sense of national identity, saying political differences should not be allowed to destroy the common values that bind Ghanaians together.
He also urged citizens to support good initiatives regardless of who introduces them and to speak against wrongdoing irrespective of political affiliation.
According to him, Ghana’s progress should be the ultimate objective rather than partisan interests.
Stonebwoy said the celebration and remembrance of Ghana’s independence should therefore serve as an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of the past and renew their commitment to building a stronger and more united country.
By Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah