Celebration of Independence Day at Black Star Square has greater Benefits than at Jubilee House

It is said that anything worth doing then it should be done very well, it is therefore very unfortunate that the Celebration of the 68th and 69^th Independence Day in 2025 and 2026 were done at Jubilee House with the flimsy excuse that it is very cheaper than doing it at Black star squire, meaning the Organizers did not appreciate its very importance in Nation building especially Ghana with very divisive tendencies, signs of military bullying and in global Geopolitics.

The Organization of the celebration of the 70^th Independence Day at the Black Star Square in 2027 will be very important, since His Excellency President JD Mahama would be the Chairman of the Africa Union (AU) in 2027 as such Ghana through His Excellency President JD Mahama must showcase the capability first to defend and protect Ghana and then Africa in line with President Nkrumah’s warning that the freedom of Ghana until is lined up with the Freedom of Black or African people.

Consequently, this submission will professionally and objectively give the very great benefits to both the Nation and to the Military/associated Security Agencies and thus show that taxes of the tax payer are well spent in the celebrations hence worth spending but there must be the very good eyes by the Chief of Staff to arrest thievery and or mismanagement. So the next one, as promised by Dear President JD Mahama, will be grand one suggesting that it will met the requirement of total inclusivity as possible at the Black Star Square to showcase Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and Ghana readiness in global Geopolitics.

As stated this submission will be done highly professionally and objectively manner, so, it is important to read or appreciate something about the author. The author has rich Knowledge in History hence makers of Civilization (he was named as Professor Ado Boahim in Navrongo Secondary School by his mates including Hon Ambrose Dery, Captain Bob Tidana (rtd) etc as well as his mates in TI Ahymadiya Secondary School (Real Amass) Kumasi.

The author, is a very seasoned former Officer in Ghana’s Military, where he ever led two successful real battles in Liberia, hence among, the very few Military Officers who so far were well tested in real battles and thus understands a lot about wars and humanitarian operations. Whilst in the Military, he ever participated in multiple military parades totaling six times during the era of the PNDC and the first one in the Fourth Republic on 6^th March 1993, thus making grand total of seven.

Lastly, he is a Student of Security Risk Management, after working as a Security Superintendent of Bogoso Gold Mine, the First Large Scale Surface Mining in Ghana. This Company started Large Surface Mining in 1986 led to the birth of WACAM in 1988 at Dumase near Bogoso. Hence, the Company had great experiences on matters with Small Scale Mining, so as a Security Superintendent, he used the Company’s rich experiences and introduced Live and Let Us Live Policy as a win-win solution between the Company and with Small Scale Miners in her catchment areas.

Thus saw the reduction of the associated menace of Small Scale Mining to the barest minimum level with introduction of credible Alternative Livelihood Projects, including Oil Palm Plantation by selling the idea to one Hon Mrs Mary Asamoah, to become the Group Community Affairs Manager. The in-depth briefing was done at the safety Depts. with videos provided by one William Mason and as such contributed greatly for the successful operations of Golden Star Resources in Ghana, which led to the expansion of the Company with the acquisition of Satellite Mine and Resolute Exploration and her Mphor Concessions Resources which led to both to become Golden Star Wassa.

So he has found it very important as a Patriotic Citizen through a Better Ghana Agenda to avail to his nation (compatriots) his knowledge from the Academic Sector combined with his experiences in both the Military including when as a member of National Security Systems in the NDC1, and NDC2 under President JJ Rawlings, and NPP 1 under President Koffour. As well to share his very good work in the Mining Sector, with Golden Star Resources Ghana and for the Ghana Chamber of Mines with the idea for the establishment of the Chamber Security Committee and NDC 4 under President JD Mahama especially with the National Security Committee for OPERAATIONS halt earlier on under the Leadership of then Brigadier General Dam Mishio later Gen Adeti, hence five regimes in the Fourth Republic.

This submission will first give the history and purposes of the Black Star Square as built by President Nkrumah for Ghana’s Military Parades/associated activties as wanted by President Nkrumah. Thus the very huge benefits of celebrating Independence to the Military, to the Nation especially Ghana with a unique history of the divisive tendencies in all fields of interest to the Ghanaian which still rears its ugly head in the Fourth Republic and lastly the signal gives globally especially Africa So come on board the Bogobiri’s Better Ghana Agenda’s Ship.

History of Black Star Square hence Military Parades

Ghana at a point in her history especially in the precolonial and Colonial eras was a very divisive enclave, with the colonial era made of the Gold Coast Colony made of collate tribal people under very powerful Chiefs and were under the British Colonial Masters. Then was the Ashanti Kingdom under Asantehene, the Northern Protectorate, initially under the Mumprugu kingdom, under the hegemony of the Nayeri and lastly, the Trans Volta with collate people under very powerful Chiefs.

Several wars were waged by the British Colonial Masters with the support of the Costal people especially against the Ashantis. Likewise were wars between Belligerent tribes and then against slave traders especially in the North with the notable, rather the notorious Samari and Babatu, in the precolonial and colonial days in some of the areas of the enclave now called Ghana.

The enclave now called Ghana also saw a very divisive political agitations by the earlier elites, and this led to political agitations on tribal and Religious Lines between 1952 and 1956. The Asantehene or Manhyia Palace through one Nana Akoto the then Chief Linguist with the NLM, led the charge or call for Federal System of Government and in the North was the exploits of the Nayeri of Mamprugu kingdom which led to the formation of the Northern People Party (NPP), initially to some wanted it to be named as the Nayer’s People’s Party, when it was done at his palace. Also were the Muslim Party and other tribal Parties.

Dr Nkrumah, was among the later Elites/Politicians in the later 1940s earlier, who became the leader of the veranda Boys, and was later elected as Prime Minister (PM) of the Gold Coast and later on as PM and President of Ghana. So he took cognizance of the challenges at the time, and opted for unitary System of Government or inclusivity, so with his Organizations decides everything philosophy made him as stated to coincidentally, become the first Prime Minister of the Gold Coast between 1952 and 1956, later as Prime Minster of Ghana between 1957 and 1961, subsequently as the first President of Ghana.

Based on these historical backgrounds, especially the issues of regional otherwise tribal and religious divisive tendencies with the call for federal form of Government as against Dr Nkrumah’s quest for Unitary System of Government with a Regional balance concept,( hence the reason for this Constitutional Provision in the 1992 Constitution), Dr Nkrumah saw the urgent need for showcasing Ghana’s readiness to defend and protect a Unitary State and with capacity to see to the emancipation or the Liberation of the Blackman through Peace Enforcement, Peacekeeping and Peace Building globally especially in Africa,. These narrative among other were the reasons for the construction of the Black Star Square for National Military Parades as a very rich propaganda tool to showcase Ghana’s readiness for peace operations domestically and externally or global Geopolitics and Diplomacy.

The Iconic Black Star Square, is the second largest Square or Military Parade Area in the World and is in line with the Red Star Square in Russia. It was built to commemorate Ghana’s independence thus act as a National assembly point to showcase freedom, inclusivity thus as ground to accept diversity, equality and inclusion hence unity with a common destiny and show case readiness for the emancipation of Bloc race.

The Iconic Black Star Square is made of three distinct or standalone aspects namely (a) the Independence Arch, (b). Black Star Monuments or Gate which represent Ghana’s Sovereign power and (c) Liberation Day Monument with unknown soldier structure to honor veterans who lost their lives in the fight for Independence and those who fought in First and Second World Wars.

Independence Day or Military Victory parades are vital-multifaceted events that serves as powerful propaganda (information, communication, marketing) tools, for demo readiness for deterrence, meant for booting morale and spirit de Corps in Armed Forces/ Associated Security Agencies. It is also for showing cohesion in the Ghana Armed Forces then in Solidarity with Civil Authority and the Citizens.

Hence, in attendance are religious leaders with pouring of libation by the Community Traditional Leaders followed by a Muslim prayer, lastly a Christian Prayer, hence Faith Base leaders are in attendance. Also Leaders and members of Political Parties, School Children, Traders, members of Trade Unions Traditional Leaders with some of their people for Cultural Display. In attendance are accredited Ambassadors/International Communities hence showcasing National Cohesion.

The parade is also for Honoring Tradition and National Heritage as stated showcasing inclusivity in diversity hence unity, and pride , it shows the military’s capability and for boosting morale of all and projecting strength . Act as a living public display of nation’s sovereignty and its military discipline, its cohesion and readiness thus reinforcing national identity. More details of the benefits to the Nation and the Military are enumerated below.

Benefits to the Nation
Fostering national unity and Pride, by bringing citizens and the citizens’ Armed Forces, with Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces as the Reviewing Officer , their Traditional Leaders, their Religious Leaders, leaders of their Political Parties to converge together to celebrate shared values, history, and culture. Thus creating a strong sense of community and National Identity. (b). Projecting Power and Sovereignty thus serves as peaceful,, symbolic display of the nation’s military strength,, also economic, social, or industrial power with participation of traders or Market women, members of Trade Unions, thus communicating National strength, to both domestic and foreign audience.

Furthermore it is for (c). Diplomatic signaling by inviting foreign leaders to witness these parades helps to strengthen alliances and project international prestige (d) Deterrence signaling, with displays of weaponry acts thus as a , highly-visibility form of strategic, signaling to foreign and domestic adversaries demonstrating the state of readiness to defend itself. (e). Historical for commemorating/ honoring the fallen heroes and celebrating the founding fathers or the founders of the Nation. Thud Honoring History and Sacrifices, the parades thus serve as a living classroom reminding the citizens of the sacrifices made by the founders of the Nation, Veterans of World War 1 and World War 2 to secure freedom and thus instil a sense of security and patriotism

It is also for (f) Helping in Building Civic Trust by showing the Armed Forces, the government is offering peace of mind to the Citizens and, demo how part of the resources/taxes are used for national security (g). Symbol of sovereignty and power to project strength, deter potential threats and rally public support.

(h). Very Economic impact, large parades can attract visitors and stimulate local economics for sale of souvenirs, local attire, local food, Cocoa drinks, drinking water Ghana Chocolates thus showcasing that Ghana is really independent hence a good tool to propel 24-hour economy since it is demand driven

It should be noted Prime Minister Dr Nkrumah and the big six used the maiden Independence Celebration to market a local wear that is the Smock but subsequent leaders failed Ghana by not using it to market made in Ghana goods, Ghanaian food and dishes. President Mahama, the Current Chief of Staff namely Hon Mr Julius Debrah must be commended for showcasing the Smock attire during the celebration of 69^th Independence Day anniversary.

Other benefits to the Nation are (i) Social and Cultural integrations, since Cultural Performances elements like music, traditional dances are organized thus highlighting the nations’ cultural diversity. As such foster as a sense of unity and appreciation for Ghana’s diverse roots. Also are various school performances, a demo of Religion tolerances with the recitation of the host enclave’s Tradition, Muslim and Christian prayers before start of the main events.

Consequently, the celebration showcases national identity through appreciating and demo diversity, equality and inclusion, hence signifying the essentials and the high impact of the events for the solidification of a bond between the peoples’ Armed Forces, and the Citizens hence, the nation by celebrating together, taking note of the past whilst projecting strength into the future.

It may also be a time to reflect Personal Growth, thus serves as a means for defining one’s own identity hence how one has navigated and will be navigating life’s challenges. At this juncture, as part of the Better Ghana Agenda, it is important to echo the call of the Catholic Bishops to the Government of the Day to, pay the Cocoa farmers who have helped built this Country since the era of Brigadier General Fredrick Guggisburg, the Governor who brought Agricultural Revolution and supported Cocoa Farmers, so together with the farmers, the both saw massive national production of cocoa in the Gold Coast.

So with the massive production of cocoa, the patriotic cocoa farmers helped provide funding through taxes that built Takoradi Harbor, extension of railway lines from Takoradi to Kumasi or Ashanti Region, then from Kumasi to Tafo in the Eastern Region, massive roads, Korlebu Hospital, Ridge Hospital Schools, Water Projects.

So urgent need to honor the Cocoa farmers with the agreed floor price for 2025/2026 season as a measure to prevent them from selling their lands to greedy Small Scale Miners or diversify into other crops that would give them the Independence to sell to anyone or use it for anything. Since with Cocoa production there is a policy or law that requires the Cocoa farmers to always depend on the goodwill or support of the Government of Ghana through COCOBOD. Hence, a cordial mutual symbiotic relationship or a very strong bond exist between them and the Government. As such, they do not enjoy the independence like rice or maize farmers or poultry producers to do what they like with products. Nor able to freely sell the cocoa to anyone thus restricted by law and the mutual agreement to sell their Cocoa to COCOBOD, hence, the Government of the Day has duty of care to pay all available cocoa for sale at the floor price known to them by July 2025. This is a litmus test a for the Cocoa Farmers and Government, hence Ghana is at Cross Road for the correct actions. In the life of the farmer and Ghana.

Enter Independence Day celebration, it helps to demo the Subordination of the Military to Civil Authority by showing the President’s capacity as the constitutional Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. For instance, the America Civil War which was a Slave Trade War due to the abolishing of the slave Trade by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 which made the Confederacy of the Southern States, led by its President as Mr Jefferson Davis to secede from the Union in order to preserve their slaves.

This led to the Civil War between the Union or Northern States of America and the Confederacy of the Southern States with their Superior Military Commanders who demo disloyalty to the President of US by supporting the Slave Owners who financed war and thus facilitated the war.

So, immediately after successfully ending the American Civil War in 1865, with the resultant dissolution of the Confederacy of the Southern States, a massive Military Parade was organized to showcase President Abraham Lincoln as the Constitutional Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of USA. Hence, as the appointing authority of the CDS, Services Commanders and for Commissioning of Military Officers.

Unfortunately, later on President Abraham Lincoln was killed, So Andrew Johnson, as Vice President, succeeded him as the17th President of USA. He quickly organized a massive Military Parade within a month after the first one, among others to declare the war was over and to call for unity of the Federal State and to boost the morale in the grieving Country, of the united Armed Forces. It was a grand military parade or victory parade to honor the US Forces under the Commander-in-chief Abraham Lincoln who saw the end of the conflict and thus showcased himself as the new Constitutional Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of USA, hence the appointing authority for the CDS, Services Commanders and for Commissioning of Military Officers.

Interestingly, In 2018, the very belligerent or warlike President Donald Trump wanted to organize a massive Military parade on 10 November 2018, but there was public outcry, so it was postponed to 4^th July 2019, since 4^th July is the Independence Day of the USA, to satisfy the eagerness of President Trump to demo his capacity as the Constitutional Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of United States of America and National Guard Bureau. In his second term in 2025, he also caused a Military Parade to mark the 250 Birthday of US Army. These parades motivated his aggressive talks and actions.

Benefits to the Military
a). Boosting of Morale and Espirit de Corps by allowing personnel to feel that their dedication, and sacrifice are horned and celebrated. (b). Showcasing discipline and Training, the meticulous, synchronized marching/ drills or movements, show unit cohesion and professional readiness. (c). Honoring tradition and Heritage, through ceremonies like the trooping of the colors thus making the troops to connect with their history, reinforcing unit pride and loyalty to the flag (d). Demo state of readiness by allowing the military to demo its capability and strength to the public, fostering, trust, in the armed forces ability to defend the nation through acts of Unity and cohesion thus fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among different branches of the a armed forces.

Conclusion
Celebration of Independence do not inherently connote a state of development, it rather symbolizes political sovereignty and historical liberations meant to foster patriotism and national unity, so it should not be contrasted with the reality of economic social, or infrastructural development. it is rather time for a call for sober reflection, time to take stock of progress, achievements, window of opportunity to critique whether the nation has properly handled its independence responsibilities.

So, Independence Day Celebration, should be regarded as an economic, political, social and cultural utility tool for promoting the local economy, as a part of statecraft to create and solidify a sense of nationhood and thus act as to legitimize the rule of the Head of State and for social cohesion, regardless of actual economic state of the Country.

Celebration of Independence is not an indicator of high state of development but only to celebrate historical milestone, meant to foster patriotism, nationalism, and National pride. Thus demo unity through parades, cultural displays or community event. Fireworks, picnics, for spirit of togetherness and gratitude. Hence a requirement of inclusivity or no restrictions since Independence means Freedom, so if it is worth celebrating then it should be at Black Star Square on in Regions to ensure Regional balance thus organizing at Jubilee House defeated the essences of the celebration for inclusivity etc.