Parade held to mark 56th independence Anniversary in Kumasi

Independence day parade

Kumasi, March 6, GNA - A parade to mark the nation's 56th independence anniversary celebration was on Wednesday held at the Golden Jubilee Park in Kumasi.

Contingents from the security agencies and civil society organizations, students and pupils from selected basic and senior high schools in the metropolis took part in the parade.

President John Dramani Mahama in address read for him by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Sarpong, appealed to all Ghanaians to sacrifice and work harder to accelerate the socio-economic development of the country.

He said 'our independence was achieved through high levels of discipline, sacrifice and selfless dedication.

'Our forefathers and mothers felt that political independence held the key to unlocking the challenges that were being imposed by ignorance, diseases, illiteracy and poverty'.

He said the nation is still confronted with many similar challenges and that the war against poverty, ignorance, disease and illiteracy were far from over.  

President Mahama said the economy was burdened with major energy and water crises and has already visited Aboadze, Bui, Daboase, Kpong and Weija to inspect and ascertain the progress of the on-going projects aimed at increasing electricity and water supplies.

'I will work with the utility companies to ensure that these challenges were over in the shortest possible time', he said.

Prizes were awarded to groups that excelled in the march past with Kumasi High School winning the best cadet corps prize.

The best Senior High School award went to KNUST and that of the basic school was presented to Weweso Junior High School in the Oforikrom Sub-Metro.

A special prize was also given to Deduako Community Special Vocational School in Kumasi.

GNA