CULTURAL NEWS
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
MOTHER GHANA
By: D. A. POAKWA
Below are the lyrics of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary song which I composed for the occasion but which the National Planning Committee of Ghana @ 50 did not adopt.
The song titled “Mother Ghana” was meant to be sung on the anniversary day and subsequent days. The National Symphony Orchestra and Music Department Choir of the University of Winneba were to render it live at the Independence Square Parade Grounds on March 6, 2007.
The lyrics and music together with another Twi song were sent to the committee on October 3, 2006. A letter of acknowledgement was written on October, 18, 2006, and sent to me.
In the acknowledgement letter it was stated: “Your request is being considered and as soon as a decision is made you will be informed accordingly”. To date no official decision has been communicated to me.
On November 21, 2006, I met Mr. Henry Okyne of the secretariat, in his office, on the song. After lengthy deliberations on the suitability of the song for the occasion, Mr. Okyne asked me to let the National Symphony Orchestra and the University Choir learn it so they could render it on the day that would be given them on the anniversary programme.
I made several trips from Konongo to Accra and Winneba to teach the Jubilee song. When the Orchestra finished learning the song, I phoned Mr. Okyne who told me a different story that the committee could not sponsor the song and that I should find an NGO to sponsor the Orchestra and the choir to perform the song and play it on any of the FM Stations. But the song was meant to be rendered live at the independence parade grounds by the orchestra and the choir.
The following are the lyrics of “Mother Ghana” which is crafted in two common ’metres’. The music is simple and melodious with a rich supporting harmony.
MOTHER GHANA
I. O, Mother Ghana we praise you,
You’ve come of age so ripe and free,
So let your words and deeds resound
Everywhere, while in joy we do sing
This your joyful song of unity,
On this your Golden birthday.
Chorus
O, Mother Ghana continue
To keep us together,
Continue
To help us to prosper,
Continue
To let us walk in the light of God,
As we joyfully celebrate
This your Golden birthday.
II. O, Mother Ghana we wish you,
To always sit, discuss and talk,
And bridges build and hands extend,
Put all wrongs aright and fights forestall,
To all the world peace message send,
On this your Golden birthday.
*Source:
Daily Graphic - Wednesday, May 2, 2007. Page: 15
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