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Ghanaians mark Independence Day

By myjoyonline
Politics Ghanaians mark Independence Day
MAR 6, 2009 LISTEN


Ghana today marks the 52nd Anniversary of her Independence from British colonial rule with a national and regional parades of security services, organized labour and school pupils and other identified bodies.

Ghana attained her independence from Britain on March 6, 1957, and has over the years marked the day with national celebrations.

The President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, will address the national parade to be held at the Independence Square in Accra, where he is expected to rekindle the spirits of Ghanaians towards self-help and their resolve in building a better nation.

This year's anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, "Unity and Peace, Pillars for National Development."

Ahead of the national anniversary parade, the police have announced the closure of some roads to traffic to ensure effective traffic control around the Independence Square.

The affected roads include the 28th February Road from CEPS Headquarters to Castle Junction and the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light on Lokko Street, the Osu Cemetery- Starlet 95 Road-Ministries Traffic Intersection and the AU Circle (Castle Road-Osu Cemetery Traffic Light) would be closed from 6:a.m.

A statement issued by the Ghana Police Service directed motorists to use the following alternative routes.

It said traffic from the AU Circle through the Castle road and moving towards the Osu Cemetery Traffic Intersection will be diverted onto the 2nd and 3rd Avenue Roads to take a detour through the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and to link with the Abdul Nasser Road near the British High Commission.

Traffic from Osu will be diverted onto the Sir Charles Quist/Kinbu Roads. Similarly, traffic flowing from Lokko Street, Osu, towards the Castle Road would be diverted onto the Starlet 95 Road and that on the 28th February Road from Accra towards the Independence Square will be diverted onto the Liberia Road at the CEPS Headquarters Traffic Intersection towards the National Theatre traffic intersection.

The statement said the forecourt of the State House, the International Conference Centre, the Intercontinental Bank Car Park, Osu, the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, the Ministries area, the National Theatre and the Efua Sutherland Children's Park have been earmarked for car parking.

Meanwhile the Ghana Armed Forces has also announced it will hold an Open Day of facilities and achievements, including a photo exhibition on Monday aimed at bringing the institution closer to the general populace. It also forms part of activities marking the 52nd Independence Anniversary.

By Isaac Yeboah

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