It has been a historic day in Ghana today because for the first time, the country’s Independence day celebration has been held at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.
The theme is ”Celebrating Peace and Unity”.
Organizers indicate that the theme consolidates the success made in achieving peace and unity among the people of the North and also reiterates the fact that Ghana will continue to be the beckon of hope while remaining peaceful”.
The parade today involved personnel from the security services and school children among other array of cultural gymnastics.
Special Guest of Honour for the celebration is/was President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou.
REGIONAL CELEBRATION OF GHANA’S 62ND INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY
Volta
From Ho the Volta Regional capital, Correspondent Elorm Aryee reports that the 62nd Independence Day Anniversary parade was participated by eight contingents from the various security agencies and six school cadets from some senior high schools in the region.
They were made up of 250 officers drawn from the 66 artillery Regiment, Ghana Police, Prisons, Immigration and Services, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority and one 1,196 students and 32 NABCO personnel.
They were commanded by Major Alfred Ampong of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho.
Scores of people in the municipality including departmental heads, traditional rulers and politicians from across the political divide and students throng the Ho Jubilee Park to witness the event which was commemorated amidst funfair.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa stressed the need for citizens in region to bury their differences and contribute towards building a prosperous Volta region.
He lauded the various security agencies in the region for their efforts towards ensuring peace and security especially in conflict prone areas.
Sonrise Senior High School’s cadet was awarded the best performing school cadet this year. Mawuli and Ola Senior High Schools were placed second and third.
KOFORIDUA
From Koforidua, our correspondent reports that about 33 contingents’ comprising the fire service, prison service, second cycle institutions and basic schools participated in the New Juaben North Municipal independence parade held at Effiduase Methodist Park in the Eastern Region.
The New Juaben North Municipal Chief Executive, Comfort Asante addressed the parade.
Three students from the Municipality were awarded for excelling in their BECE examination and the overall best school award went to the Ghana Senior High School.
SUNYANI
From Sunyani in the Bono Region, Daniel Donkor reports that the 62nd Independence Day Parade saw eight SHS, 23 JHS and 27 Primary Schools join a 300 strong contingent from the Security Services in Parade at the Jubilee Park.
It was Commanded by, Captain Fui Kwasi Amable of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Parade was inspected and reviewed by the MCE of Sunyani, Dr. Mrs Evelyn Ama Kumi-Richardson, who is also the new Bono Regional Minister Designate.
She said to ensure there is continuous peace in Ghana,the people should cooperate with the security agencies.
KUMASI
Nicholas Osei-Wusu reports that, four hundred men and women under the command of 15 officers of the state security services plus contingents of cadet and non cadet from 12 second cycle schools in addition to pupils from 17 public and private basic and special schools from the various Sub Metros of the Kumasi Metropolis, were joined by others from voluntary organizations to mount the Ashanti Regional Parade at the Jubilee Park at Asem to mark the regional Independence Day event.
The contingents, under the command of Captain Allen Akwei Hammond with the Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah as the Reviewing Officer, thrilled the large audience with well rehearsed Slow and Quick Time March Pass with soothing brass band music by two mass bands of school children and the security services.
Participating children from the Deduako Community Special School and Vocational Centre also entertained the people with their cultural performance attracting a donation of two thousand Ghana Cedi cash from the Regional Minister.
Among the dignitaries present were the Bantamahene, Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia, wife of the Asantehene, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, Regional heads of the Police, Prisons, Customs, Army and the National Fire Services and Commanding Officer of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces.
There were presentations to schools that performed exceptionally well during the 62nd Independence Day Regional second cycle schools Quiz and Debates.
New Edubiase SHS came first in the Quiz competition while Osei Tutu emerged winner of the Debate. Prempeh College also won the Metro Debate with Saint Monica’s SHS at Asante Mampong claiming victory in the Independence Day Breast Cancer Awareness Debate.
While St. Monica’s SHS received as their prize, a deep freezer, the other winners were honoured with plagues for their efforts.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah paid tribute to forebears of Ghana’s political independence for their struggles and sacrifices.
He also commended President Akufo-Addo and in particular, the Committee of three Eminent Chiefs for working tirelessly towards peace in Dagbon in the Northern region.
ASOKWA
In the newly created Asokwa Municipality, our Ashanti Regional Correspondent Razak Baba reports that, a contingent of 38 pupils and students drawn from the Basic Junior and Senior High Schools and nine cadet corps mounted a parade to mark the 62nd Independence Day in the Asokwa Municipality of Ashanti.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Akwannuasah Gyimah, took the parade salute.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) on behalf of the Government paid tribute to Ghana’s founding fathers, adding that they were successful because they acted in unity.
Students within the municipality who excelled in quiz competitions were honoured.
Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, who is also Member of Parliament from the newly created Asokwa Municipality.
UPPER EAST REGION
From the Upper East Region, Correspondent Samuel Ayammah reports that the 62nd Independence Day celebration for the first time took place in Bongo instead of the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga.
In all, 41 schools from the Bongo district participated in the match past.
The Upper East Regional Director of Education, Augustine Ayirezang, called on parents to respect teachers and resort to the use of dialogue in resolving issues.
WESTERN NORTH PARADE
From Western North, our Correspondent Kwamina Onumah reports that 46 Basic and Senior High Schools as well as cadets, took part in the 62nd Independence Day celebration at the Wiawso College of Education at Sefwi Wiawso.
They were provided beautiful rendition by the St Joseph Catholic Brass Band. The Municipal Chief Executive,Louis Owusu Agyapong took the salute.
