Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebration was marked across regional capitals and districts with colourful parades by schoolchildren and a variety of social activities, including clean-up exercises and cultural displays.
In Cape Coast, DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH reports that 17 schools comprising basic and senior high schools participated in a parade at the Jubilee Park. The parade was led by cadets from Ghana National College, St Augustine’s College, and Mfantsipim School.
Participating schools included Holy Child School, Effutu Senior High Technical School, Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, Flowers Gay Schools, and OLA Presbyterian Basic School. Others were St Peter’s Anglican Basic School, Good Samaritan Preparatory Basic School, Calvary Hillcrest Schools, Philip Quaque Boys’ School, Police Basic School, and Royal Palace School.
Addressing the gathering, the Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr George Justice Arthur, expressed concern about the growing lack of trust citizens had in government institutions.
LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU reports from the Adentan Municipality that 402 pupils from 12 public and private basic and senior high schools participated in the Independence Day celebrations. At the SHS level, Frafraha Community Day SHS emerged winners while Mercy Islamic JHS won the basic school category.
Past students who obtained the best grades in last year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at both the JHS and SHS levels were presented with cash prizes and citations.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Ms Ella Christine Esinam Nongo, urged students in the municipality to believe in themselves, remain disciplined, and dedicate themselves to their studies in order to achieve success and contribute to the development of their communities.
At the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, 264 pupils drawn from the cadet corps of seven public and private schools participated in the celebrations in line with the government’s directive for a modest observance of the anniversary. The cadets were from West African Senior High School (WASS), Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon), Madina Technical Institute, Madina SDA Basic School, NESA Cadet, and Action Technical Institute, supported by the WASS brass band.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Ibrahim Hussein Faila, stated that the famous declaration, “Ghana is free forever,” was not merely a statement of victory but a reminder of the responsibility placed on Ghanaians to safeguard the nation’s freedom.
Meanwhile, ABIGAIL ANNOH and STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG report from the Korle Klottey Municipality that 10 schools took part in a march-past reviewed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Allotey Gaisie.
The participating schools included Liberty Avenue 1 and 4 Basic Schools, Liberty Avenue 4 Junior High School, St Peter’s RC Basic School, Presbyterian Preparatory School, Calvary Methodist 2 Basic School, Kimbu Senior High Technical School Army Cadets, Presbyterian Senior High School Osu Navy Cadets, and a special marching contingent from Akron High School.
Mr Gaisie called on Ghanaians to remain united and disciplined in order to build a prosperous nation and safeguard the gains of independence.
In the Krowor Municipality, RAYMOND AMPONSAH APPIAH reports that the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Paul Afotey Quaye, called for governance that delivered tangible benefits to citizens. He emphasised that national celebrations must translate into improved living conditions for the people. According to him, the growth and development of a nation depended largely on the active participation of its citizens in national development.
From the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, VICTOR A. BUXTON reports that more than 560 students drawn from 12 contingents from four senior high schools and eight basic schools participated in the anniversary parade. The event was attended by the Member of Parliament for the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alfredos Nii Anyetey, said the independence celebration was not only about freedom from colonial rule but also about ensuring security, economic prosperity, social justice, and dignity for every Ghanaian.
St Maurice Roman Catholic Basic School emerged overall best in the basic school category, while La Anglican Primary and JHS and Signal Primary and JHS secured the second and third positions respectively.
In the Volta Region, SAMUEL AGBEWODE reports that the Ho Municipal Assembly marked the day with a clean-up exercise. Residents desilted drains, cleared debris, trimmed lawns, and swept markets and lorry parks as part of efforts to maintain cleanliness in the municipality.
The Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Reverend Lawrence Senya, said the exercise formed part of the assembly’s commitment to maintaining the “Oxygen City” concept of Ho and promoting a clean and healthy environment.
Similarly, the Akatsi North District Assembly organised a cultural display at Ave-Dakpa which attracted traditional rulers, pupils, students, and civil society organisations.
From the Upper West Region, NAZIRU ALHASSAN reports that the anniversary was marked with a teacher award scheme to honour outstanding educators for their contributions to the development of education in the district. The event, held at Wechau, brought together residents, schoolchildren, teachers, and local authorities.
In Bolgatanga, FRANCIS DABRE DABANG reports that streets in the regional capital were filled with colourful parades as schoolchildren from basic and senior high schools participated in the celebration. A total of 18 schools, including seven cadet groups and other marching contingents, gathered at the Jubilee Park to march in a patriotic atmosphere while waving Ghana’s national flag.
The Bolgatanga MCE, Mr Roland Atanga Ayoo, said Ghana’s independence would lose its meaning if the youth remained unemployed and farmers and traders continued to struggle due to lack of capital.
From Sang in the Northern Region, YAHAYA NUHU NADAA reports that 640 schoolchildren participated in a parade held at the Sang Islamic Junior High School Sports Park in the Mion District. The District Chief Executive, Mr Hamza Azindow Moabalyn, reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a better future for the younger generation.
BY TIMES REPORTERS
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