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Tag: Independence Day

  • Ellembelle NPP constituency executives swerve 63rd independence anniversary

    For the first time in the celebration of Ghana’s independence, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives in Ellembelle of the Western Region were conspicuously missing at the 63rd independence anniversary celebrations which took place at the Bonzo Kaku Secondary School (BOKASS) at Awiebo.

    Ironically, executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by their Chairman Alex Mahama were rather at the dais to grace the occasion.

    Public opinion has it that the relationship between the District Chief Executive(DCE), Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh, the constituency chairman Samuel Akainyah, and others had turned sour in the recent past which might have accounted for their absence.

    Critics in the constituency who spoke to GhanaWeb say though independence day is a national event which could be attended by all citizens, yet the Executives of the ruling NPP had no cause to extricate themselves from the celebrations.

    Our reporter later tried to find out from the constituency chairman Samuel Akainyah, popularly known as Atito to disclose why they were not present at the parade, he denied to reveal their secret.

    Further investigations conducted by GhanaWeb reveal that most of the NPP executives in Ellembelle were neck deep in galamsey activities in three communities namely; Nkroful, Teleku-Bokazo and Anwia.

    The DCE who is aware of the galamsey activities, had initiated moves with the District Police Command to abate the nuisance.

    According to public opinion, it is ostensibly this development which had incurred the displeasure of the NPP Executives to keep the DCE at arm’s length in all activities and functions of the District Assembly.

    The some party members have been threatening to vote against the DCE who is the Parliamentary Candidate in the December elections but when contacted, Mr. Bonzoh said he remained unperturbed by their threats adding that he will go ahead to stop galamsey activities in the area.

    “We don’t like Bonzoh is doing at all because he can’t just stop galamsey activities in this District because this mining is not destroying the water bodies here, so we understand why Bonzoh led Police team to seized some machines at the galamsey sites, if he doesn’t take care we will vote against him, he should try again”, they said.

    A visit by GhanaWeb to the galamsey sites, reveal that the Subre river which is a source of drinking water to the three communities, has been polluted beyond any measure.

    The galamsey operations were also affecting residents and giving them sleepless nights as the galamsey sites were closer to their places of abode.

    The residents who spoke to this reporter appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to step in to halt the menace.

    It would be recalled that last two weeks, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area led the District Security Council to embark on an unannounced operations to seize seven (7) excavators from Galamseyers who were mining illegally at Anwia, Teleku Bokazo and Nkroful.

    The DCE who disclosed this to the media after the operations, vowed to deal with those behind the galamsey activities without any political consideration.

    “In fact I can’t sit there unconcerned to allow some people to destroy the land and also their water body which is the only source of drinking water, we will not consider any party member if found culpable”, he said.

    He, therefore, stressed to allow those culprits to reclaim the land and plant trees on it and also punish them severely.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Schools in Kasena-Nankana record low attendance after Independence Day celebration

    Some basic schools in the Kasena-Nankana area of the Upper East Region have recorded low attendance on the first day of the new week after Ghana celebrated its 63rd Independence anniversary last week Friday.

    This is because some of the students thought Monday has been declared a holiday.

    Visits to some of the schools show a drop in the numbers, creating almost empty classrooms, though the Ghana Education Service (GES) in a statement stressed that the day had not been declared a holiday.

    Our Reporter, Senyalah Castro who visited a number of schools, reports that teachers who have taken the directive by the GES seriously, have been amazed by the poor numbers.

    Some of them who agreed to speak to our reporter but pleaded anonymity, in a conversation expressed shock but blamed poor communication on the part of authorities for the low attendance.

    They said the GES should have made it clear to the students earlier that “today, this Monday wasn’t going to be a holiday, but they waited and gave the information last minute. So how do you expect the students who think there’s a holiday after every Independence day march to come to school”. One of the teachers queried.

    At one of the primary schools (name withheld), two-third of the class population had not come to school, though it was learnt the school authorities passed the information to the pupils right after the Independence Parade that a holiday had not been given.

    For the teachers, even though the numbers were not encouraging, academic work was not going to be impeded.

    Asked if school authorities would take punitive actions towards those that have missed out from school today, one teacher responded that: “if the GES advises that we punish them, then we will but if not, we’ll all keep quiet and let it go like that”.

    In Ghana, holidays are mostly given whenever the celebration of the Independence Day falls within the week. The holiday is usually given to enable school children, teachers and other workers who took part in the independence Parade have some rest.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Independence Day celebration in Kumasi was an NPP rally – Yamoah Ponkoh

    Former Municipal Chief Executive Officer for the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, has pooh-poohed the 63rd Independence Day celebration which was held in Kumai on Friday, describing it as more of a rally for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    According to him, the ruling party, under the guise of an Independence celebration, splurged state resources on party faithfuls and apparatchiks like there is no tomorrow.

    Speaking in an interview with Okay Fm Ade Akye Abia program, he accused the NPP government of merely decorating the Kumasi Sports Stadium and draping trees lining the roads leading to the event grounds with paraphernalia national colors just to give the programme a semblance of state value.

    “The NPP government did not do anything new with this independence day celebration, they only decided to deceive the people of Kumasi because they have not been able to do anything meaningful for them since they assume power.

    “This is a clear indication that the NPP lied to Ashantis when they needed their votes and they think that they can do same again as the next election approaches. No way, the people of Ashanti will not fall for their tricks again,” he added.

    Thousands of Ghanaians on March 6, 2020, converged at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi for the celebration of the 63rd Independence Day, marked under the theme: ‘Consolidating Our Gains’.

    This was the first time it was moved to the Ashanti Region, after 62 years of Independence.

    There was a heavy military presence as representatives of the various military and paramilitary bodies took positions to ensure and maintain law and order.

    The National Disaster Management Organisation, the staff of the Ghana Health Service, among others were also strategically placed with their tents and equipment to ensure that any eventuality was adequately handled.

    One-hundred-and-fifty Diplomats grace the 63rd independence anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ghana at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, the capital of the Asanti Region.

    But conspicuously missing at the celebration were former Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Jerry John Rawlings, and most members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • 63rd Independence Anniversary: Tarkwa SHS sweeps awards

    Tarkwa Senior High School (TARSCO) in the Tarkwa Municipality in the Western Region continues to make giant strides in the educational sector in the area.

    After qualifying for the national level of the National Science and Match quiz, Tarkwa SHS has chalked another feat.

    This time around, it has won the Overall Best Senior High School in the Tarkwa Municipality for the year 2019.

    Furthermore, the Best Student in the Municipality per the last West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Council (WASSCE) emerged from Tarkwa SHS.

    The Best Female Student came from Tarkwa SHS as well.

    The school, which has a vibrant alumni association, is poised to excel in all academic competitions to make it one of the best schools in the country.

    The old student association of the school has promised to support the school in many ways to help students get the necessary exposure in terms of academic performance.

    Source: Osei Bonsu , Contributor

  • Rotation of independence parade must continue irrespective of gov’t in power – Kweku Baako

    Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide, Kweku Baako says the rotation of the independence day parade must continue irrespective of the government in power.

    The 63rd independence day parade was held at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

    That was the second time the independence day parade was held outside Accra since 1957.

    Last year it was held at Tamale and President Akufo-Addo says the government is willing to rotate the event across all the region.

    Kweku Baako speaking on NewsFile said he is in support of the rotation as it ignites a sense of patriotism in people.

    “I am in support of the rotation, I think it should continue irrespective of the government in power, it ignites a sense of patriotism in people and that is good, my only problem is the sustainability”.

    Present at the Independence parade was His Royal Majesty, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Dr Keith Christopher Rowley was the special guest of honour.

    The event saw thousands of Ghanaians troop to the Baba Yara Stadium to catch a glimpse of it.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • You don’t respect Ashanti’s – Wontumi jabs Mahama over 63rd Independence day boycott

    Failure on the part of former President John Mahama, to honour an invitation sent to him to join in the celebration of 63rd Independence Anniversary has been condemned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Benard Antwi Boasiako.

    Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako in an interview with ghbeyondpolitics.com claims that Mr. Mahama’s absence from the event provides more reason for the people in the Ashanti region to vote massively against him in 2020.

    According to him, organizers of the event reserved a special invitation for the former President and accorded him the highest respect he deserves as a former head of state.

    Affectionately called Chairman Wontumi also stated “I am not going to sound tribal, it isn’t a good thing but you can tell that John Mahama doesn’t respect Asantes. In time past he openly insulted us by telling us we are ingrates. We reserved a seat for him but he ignored us”.

    He added that “when our great King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II revealed that it took his intervention after the 2016 elections for John Mahama to handover power to President Akufo-Addo, he (John Mahama) called him a liar. Today, the region has invited you to join us celebrate Ghana’s Independence and you disrespect us by not showing up”.

    Chairman Wontumi noted that former President Mahama should have at least “shown respect to Ashantis by informing the Protocol team why he couldn’t show up just as former President Rawlings officially did”.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • Monday, 9th March 2020 is not holiday for schools – GES

    The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, GES has issued a statement to announce that Monday 9th March 2020 is not a holiday for students and teachers.

    The statement further congratulated the students and teachers for their smart turn out at the 63rd Independence day celebration parade held throughout the country.

    According to the statement, it is expected that teachers, pupils and students will take advantage of the weekend to rest and fully refresh themselves to resume academic work on Monday 9th March 2020.

    “Teachers, pupils, students and the general public should, therefore, take note that Monday 9th March 2020 is not a holiday for schools.”

    Changing educational curricula to meet the needs of the modern economy

    President Akufo-Addo has indicated that the government is changing the educational curricula across the country, to meet the needs of the modern economy.

    According to the President, this is aimed at preparing Ghanaian students to equally compete on a global scale.

    The President made this known at the 63rd Independence celebration hosted at the Baba Yara sports stadium in the Ashanti Region, Kumasi today March 6 2020.

    The President outlined achievements the country has chalked in its 63rd years.

    President Akufo-Addo stated that: There are more children in SHS now then we have ever had. We are changing the curricula and focus in education to meet the needs of the modern economy we are making progress…”

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Independence Day celebrations: Ghana flag missing in Ho

    It is said people who have never met can have a sense of unity, knowing they are part of the same country flying the same flag.

    National flags are simply symbols of identity and arguably the soul of nations.

    In some countries, it is regarded as an object that gives hope to citizens, with many prepared to die for colours of their national flag.

    The colours and symbols are said to convey the ideas, ambitions and values of the country.

    Unfortunately, it appears the importance of national flags and the pride they give to citizens is gradually getting lost on many Ghanaians.

    This situation was evident at the 63rd Independence anniversary celebration in the Volta regional capital, Ho, where national flags of public institutions and security services were said to be on holiday.

    There was virtually no sign of celebration of independence anniversary in the regional capital apart from security services, selected schools and some heads of institutions who gathered at the Jubilee Park for independence parade.

    Though structures at the Jubilee Park are painted in colours of the national flag, the flags were absent in town.

    Flag poles at the Regional Coordinating Council, the Ho Municipal Assembly, the Ghana Revenue Authority, Forestry Commission, and all security services were empty when the Ghana News Agency visited their premises Independence Day morning.

    At the 66 Artillery Regiment, the GNA saw the Unit flag up high without the Ghana flag, but was told the national flag of the Artillery was sent to the Independence parade ground.

    It was only GAD furnitures, a private company located opposite the military barracks that had the national flag flying at full mast.

    Some heads of institutions told the GNA they did not hoist the national flag on Independence Day because it was a holiday.

    Others said though they had the flag poles, they did not have the flags to hoist.

    But Mr Prosper Afenyo, Volta Regional Budget Analyst, said that was no excuse and said it was negligence on the part of public institutions not to hoist the national flag on Independence Day.

    He said Ghana’s flag was first hoisted on March 6th and that it was a must for the flags to continue to fly high in all public institutions, especially on Independence Day.

    Captain (Rtd) George Nfodjo, a former Member of Parliament for Ho, also said Independence Day was a significant day to display the country’s flags and that the excuse that it was a holiday was not tenable.

    “Today is a special day and our flags can’t be kept indoors. This will not happen anywhere. It means the spirit of the nation is down,” he said.

    Mr Nelson Akorli, a former Municipal Chief Executive of Ho, said he was surprised he did not see colours of the national flag in town to mark the celebration.

    He said decorating the town with colours of the national flag and hoisting the flags on Independence Day would help tell the Independence story better and would instill values of patriotism and nationalism in the citizenry.

    Another worrying issue is the non-availability of the national flag in shops and the Ho Central Market for sale.

    Perhaps, a strong indication and opportunity for the Information Services Department to go back to its national reorientation campaign.

    That exercise years ago invoked the interest of the citizens on the national colours, promoted patriotism, punctuality and nationalism.

    Let’s bring back the love for the national flag for national cohesion. It is the soul of the nation to, which every national is connected. So let’s keep the flags up.

    Ghanaians love the red, gold, green and the black star. ISD should, therefore, make the flags available so we rally round it for a united nation.

    Source: GNA

  • Residents of Sekondi-Takoradi express mixed feelings at 63rd Independence celebrations

    A cross-section of residents in the Western Region have expressed mixed feelings about the 63rd Independence Anniversary celebrations.

    In a random sampling, most of the respondents Daniel Kaku spoke to, commended the torch bearers of Ghana’s Independence but added that much had not been done since the overthrow of the first Republic.

    A Senior Citizen who attended the function at the Jubilee grounds, told this Reporter that most of the factories established by the first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah collapsed after the military junta took over in the infamous coup plot.

    According to him, Ghana could be economically viable by now if those industries were taken care of by successive governments.

    He called on government to revive the industries set up by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah under the one District one Factory philosophy.

    Another citizen who gave his name as Kofi Nuamah said although successive governments after the overthrow of Dr. Nkrumah had done their bit, much needed to be done to propel the nation towards economic transformation.

    Mr. Nuamah said at 63,Ghana must be self reliant and urged President Nana Akufo Addo to make the Ghana Beyond Aid policy, a reality.

    He was not too happy that at 63 Ghana’s apron strings were still tied to the colonial masters.

    He called for transparency, probity and accountability in national affairs to ensure judicious use of the country’s natural resources to better the living conditions of Ghana.

    The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Okyere Darko-Mensah earlier took the salute from a contingent of 920 school children and security forces led by parade Commander, Major Daniel Whajah Nviddah.

    The Regional Minister said in spite of the gains made so far, Ghana was still bedevilled with some problems and assured Ghanaians that government remains committed to address their problems.

    Source: Daniel Kaku, Contributor

  • Unique cultural, military display characterize Ghanas 63rd anniversary celebration

    The unique cultural diversity of the nation was on full display as the nation marked her 63rd independence anniversary celebration at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, March 6.

    Representatives of the sixteen regions showcased their rich culture and tradition in a spectacular manner as they held the teeming crowd spellbound with their performances.

    The display thrilled the invited guests and general public so much that they occasionally stood on their feet and applauded in excitement.

    The Ghana Armed Forces also took advantage of the programme to display sophisticated ammunition and other state-of-the-art weapons the nation could boast of.

    They also held a dress rehearsal of the strict training regimen of the military, which has gained Ghana much respect in terms of her military prowess, especially, in the eyes of other foreign countries.

    “Consolidating our Gains”, was the theme for the anniversary, marking more than six decades of self-rule by Ghana, the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence.

    A parade of security agencies and schools was mounted to climax the programme.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghanaians should nurture the seed of tolerance – Ashaiman MCE

    Mrs.Rose Joyce Appoh-Biney, Ashaiman Municipal Director of Education, has urged Ghanaians to nurture the seed of tolerance to consolidate the peace the founding fathers toiled for.

    The Education Director was addressing Ghana’s 63rd Independence anniversary ceremony in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

    According to her, one surest way the country could produce more gains was to tender and nurture the seed of tolerance, solidarity and peace irrespective of one’s political, ethnic, religion or social identity.

    Mrs.Biney explained that, the spirit of the Ghana’s independence should rekindle the passion of the citizens to work hard and reap more gains for the country adding that Ghana had greater prospects which would benefit all.

    Eleven schools marched at the Ashaiman Mandela park to commemorate the anniversary.

    The GNA observed that the event began long before the arrival of most dignitaries.

    Source: GNA

  • Authorities quicken 63rd independence Parade to save school children from heat

    Authorities in the Kasena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have jumped portions of the program lineup for this year’s celebrations of Ghana’s 63rd independence to avert the effect of the sun’s intense heat on school children who have paraded at the Paga Town park to take part in the celebration.

    As at 9 am Friday morning, the scorching sun was already high up in the sky, generating intense heat.

    Temperatures in the Northern part the country are generally not friendly at this time of the year. Temperatures go beyond 43 degrees Celsius during these times.

    To, therefore, prevent the recording of heat related calamities at the district level in this year’s celebrations, authorities pushed several portions of the program lineup, including the President’s speech, to the tail end of the event.

    The Master of Ceremony (MC) announced the decision said: “We are now going to take the march pass. This is because it is getting late and the sun will soon start burning. Those of you who have the program lineup will realize that we have skipped some of the activities. The President’s speech will be read after the school children have finished marching and are under the shade”.

    A total of 42 schools in the district, made up of 21 Primary Schools, 16 Junior High Schools and 5 Senior High Schools are participating in this year’s independence celebration.

    The district security agencies including the police, fire service and ambulance services have been positioned to take control of foreseen challenges.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police announce closure of public roads in Kumasi ahead of March 6 parade

    The Ghana Police Service has announced that they will close some public roads in Kumasi due to the 63rd Independence celebration.

    This year’s parade will be held at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 6, 2020.

    The police in a communique announced that major roads like Afful Nkwanta Traffic Light to the Stadium, Asokwa Mall Traffic Light to the Stadium, Unity Oil Station to T.I Ahmadiya SHS, the road from ‘It’s My Kitchen Restaurant’ to Briginia will all be closed to the general motoring public with the exception of those with accreditation to enter the Heroes Park and the Hockey Pitch.

    They also added that the roads will be re-opened after the event.

    Preparations are advanced ahead of the 63rd Independence Day Parade which will be held in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.

    This is the second time such an event is being held outside Accra after Tamale hosted the event in 2019.

    The event which is on the theme: “Consolidating our gains” will be attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley, who is the Special Guest.

    President Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and other distinguished guests will also be in attendance.

    Source: primenewsghana.com