The Ministry of Information has unveiled a series of activity to be undertaken as part of the celebration of this year’s Independence anniversary which would be held in the Northern Regional Capital, Tamale.
The event which would be held outside the national capital, Accra for the first time since its inception would commence with the commemoration of the Christianborg Cross Road Shooting Incident and Anniversary Debate at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall on February 28.
On Friday, March 1, there would be hoisting of the national flag nationwide, a muslim prayer and thanksgiving service, a health and fitness walk, to be followed by the launch of the “Year of Return” and the Tamale Peace Concert on Saturday, March 2.
In addition to these, would be a Christian Prayer and Thanksgiving, a What do you know competition to be carried on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation networks, “Rep the North” and the reenactment of the declaration of Independence at the old Polo Grounds, 62nd anniversary fireworks by the Ghana Armed Forces at various locations on March 3 and March 5 respectively.
The event would be climaxed with the Independence Day Parade at Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale on March 6 and Open Day Parade for school children within all Garrisons in the country.
Addressing journalists at the Sunday edition of the Ministry’s bi-weekly media briefings in Accra yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Pius Enam Hadzide said the theme for this year’s event was “Celebrating Peace and Unity” and would be graced by the President of Niger, His Excellency Mahama DouIssoufou.
The Minister explained that the Tamale event would be a historic one not only because it would be the first time the national celebration was taking place outside the Greater Accra Region but also because it would be taking placing a few months after the successful settlement of the nearly two decades of chieftaincy conflict in Dagbon.
Mr Hadzide said government was optimistic that moving the national celebration to Tamale would do a lot of good to the people of the north, adding that “It will not only boost the local economy but also serve as an opportunity for the region to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage while canvassing for more developmental projects.”
Touching on the theme for the event he said it consolidated the success made in achieving peace and unity among the people of the north and also reiterated the fact that Ghana would continue to be the beacon of hope while remaining peaceful and also protecting its enviable record of being one of the most peaceful countries on the continent.
He therefore appealed to all Ghanaians, especially those in the Northern Region to put in their best efforts to ensure that this year’s ceremony was not only successful but also remarkable and memorable.
“I believe that it offers the region the opportunity to showcase its rich and diverse culture to the outside world and also open up its tourism potential to the world,” he emphasized.
By Cliff Ekuful
