Dr Prince Hamid Armah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwesimintsim Constituency, has urged the youth of Kwesimintsim to be patriotic and loyal to Ghana.

He emphasized that patriotism is the most essential value in nation-building and that no other ethic can replace it.

Dr Armah made the statement in a speech presented on his behalf by the Kwesimintsim NPP Constituency Secretary, Augustine Asiljoe, at ‘The Pledge,’ a patriotic event organized by the Methodist Church Ghana with the subject “I vow on my honour to remain true and loyal to Ghana my homeland.”

The MP, who is also the Vice-Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, emphasized that patriotism is the lifeblood of growth. As a result, no country can prosper until a critical mass of its populace is patriotic in its affairs.

He urged Kwesimintsim constituents and members of the Boys and Girls Brigade of the Methodist Church, and Kwesimintsim Society to remain committed to the nation by keeping the rigorous patriotic legacy of the nation’s forefathers.

“Patriotism is simply putting yourself first by ensuring that your nation sustainably has the capacity to ensure your welfare. Simply put, the best manner by which to ensure your self-interest is to actively contribute towards the effort of creating a nation based on the rule of law, equity, and civic responsibility.

When our nation is built to its full capacity, we shall, as a people, be better for it,” Dr Armah explained.

The National pledge event was specifically organised by the 11th and 9th Takoradi Company Freeman Society of the Boys and Girls Brigade of the Methodist Church Ghana.

It is a youth group raising Christian Soldiers to serve for God and the nation. The event was chaired by the Special Advisor to the President, Yaw Osafo-Maafo who was also the Special Guest of Honour.

Dr Armah noted that the National Pledge provides a thorough guide for citizens towards building a patriotic nation which is a prerequisite for development. He said patriotism to the nation must be practical and should be seen in all spears of national life.

“Patriotism means paying our taxes and avoiding the temptation to steal from the state. Patriotism means making the beauty of our built environment a priority and thus refusing to litter publicly. Patriotism means keeping the peace and order, thus avoiding hastily sharing information that may cause fear, panic, or public mistrust.

Patriotism means believing in our national heritage of hospitality, respect, and communal wellbeing” he admonished.

Dr Armah also explained that the principle of patriotism traces its root to biblical teachings by Apostle Paul to the Romans where he admonished them in Chapter 13 verse 1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

The Apostle again, according to the MP, admonished in Romans 13: 6-7, “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.”

Dr Armah also used the occasion to entreat the congregants to make a daily pledge to themselves and the nation by reciting the National pledge and taking steps to live by its words.

The MP for Kwesimintsim also made a passionate appeal to the Methodist Church, Ghana to replicate the programme in all other districts of the church to carry the message of patriotism nationwide.