Ghana commences climax of 67th independence anniversary celebrationAMA holds parade to mark 67th Independence Anniversary

Dignitaries, including traditional rulers, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, and the Diplomatic Corps, have gathered at the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre as Ghana celebrates its 67th independence anniversary with a parade. The stage is set for a memorable occasion, as the eager throng awaits the entrance of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the Guest of Honour, Alassane Ouattara. 'Our Democracy, Our Pride' is the theme for the anniversary celebration. In spite of all its shortcomings and difficulties, the people of Ghana have shown admirable commitment to multi-party democracy over the years. In a recent statement, the President said it was commendable that the nation had not fallen for the instigations to resort to the violent overthrow of an elected government. The above statement by Ghana's President sum up the resolve of one of Africa's most democratic countries to deepen the rule of law amid the deteriorating democratic governance in the sub-Saharan Africa. In 1957, Ghana, after many years of the struggle for independence, became free of the shackles of colonial rule. The path to self-rule did not come easy given the complexities associated with an African country striving to break free off colonialism. The development became a wake-up call for many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the subsequent events in the continent's history set the tone for the total liberation of the once oppressed people. Sixty-seven years later, the road to self-government has not been easy, as the country has had to deal with military rule at times. According to the President, the nation was committed to maintain its accomplishments, and he urged the people to remain focused. Source: Ghana News Agency The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Wednesday held a parade to mark Ghana's 67th Independence Anniversary with an advice to students to refrain from social vices that could destroy their future. Mrs Elizabeth Kwaatsoo Sackey, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said her attention had been drawn to some students engaging in illegal and immoral acts, particularly during off-school hours. She tasked the Metropolitan Security Council to collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to conduct swoops at the ghettos in Accra and arrest any student found engaging in immoral acts. Due to the complexity of deviant characters in students, it was imperatives for parents and teachers to closely monitor their children and students, respectively, watch their lifestyles and advise them to prevent them from deviating, she said. Mrs Sackey encouraged them to remain obedient, hardworking, disciplined and concentrate on their studies as the future of Ghana rested on their commitment to upholding the time -tested values of the society. 'It is for this reasons that the Government has rolled out several policies and programmes, which had positively impacted on many lives in the country,' she said. The Government, in recognition of its responsibilities, would continue to implement initiatives, which would improve the social and economic conditions of all Ghanaians. This year's celebration, on the theme: 'Our Democracy Our Pride,' drew the attention of Ghanaians to the need to promote reading habits among all ages and diverse groups. Mrs Sackey said Accra, under her leadership, had championed various intellectual activities aimed at connecting the minds of marginalised groups including women, youth, migrants, street children and persons with disability with high levels of illiteracy. She called on stakeholders to effectively play their roles to ensure Ghana once again became the victor to the admiration of the international community. 'As we raise voices in celebration today, let it be a resounding affirmati on of our commitment to a flourishing democracy that stands as a beacon of hope on the African continent,' she said. The 17 schools that participated in the march past include Accra Academy Senior High School (SHS), James Town Methodist SHS Accra Wesley Girls, St Mary's SHS, Private Odartey Lamptey Basic School and the Kaneshie North 1 and 3 Basic schools. Source: Ghana News Agency