Today is Independence Day

Ghanaians home and abroad will today mark the country’s 65th Independence Day in honour of heroes who led the country to independence.

The Independence Day is celebrated on March 6th every year in remembrance of the day that marks the declaration of independence from the British colonial rule.

Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, declared independence on March 6th, 1957 and said: “The African people are capable of managing their own affairs and Ghana our beloved country is free forever.”

Cape Coast, capital of the Central Region, will this morning host the national celebrations on the theme: “Working Together; Bouncing Back Better.”

It will be the third to be hosted outside Accra, after the Northern and Ashanti regions.

Contingents from the various security agencies, the Ghana Education Service, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), among others will partake in the parade at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Madam Mia Mottley, will be the Special Guest of Honour, with Odeefuo Amoakwa Boadu VIII, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, and other high-profile personalities expected to grace the occasion.

All the regions and districts are expected to mark the Day.

The Day was not celebrated in 2020 due to COVID-19. In 2021, the President addressed the nation virtually after a short special ceremony held at the forecourt of the seat of government, Jubilee House, to mark the Day.

It was graced by Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, some selected personnel of the security services, some government officials and invited dignitaries.

Meanwhile, the city of Cape Coast has witnessed a magnificent facelift towards welcoming thousands of merrymakers and visitors from all walks of life to the celebration.

The historical city and adjoining communities have been draped in the national colours of red, gold and green, in the spirit of independence and sovereignty.
National flags have been hoisted in and around the city with huge billboards mounted and displayed at vantage locations to welcome the joyous occasion.

Taking a tour around the Central Regional capital on Thursday, the Ghana News Agency, observed that faulty street lights across the Metropolis had been fixed, bushy roadsides cleared, and hawkers removed from the street pavements.

Major roads leading to the Cape Coast Sports Stadium have been reshaped with others fully asphalted.

At the Sports Stadium, the venue of attraction, the GNA saw some vehicles of security agencies parked around the stadium while their personnel were actively rehearsing and gearing up for the event.

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Information Service Department (ISD) have intensified public education on the celebration and the need for all to participate.

Residents, who spoke to the GNA expressed joy and were anxious to participate in all the activities.

Mr Agyei Aboakye, a Headteacher, was excited that another national event had been brought to the Region after the Farmers Day held in December last year.

“The town has become beautiful, and I wish it remains so even after Independence Day or a lot of these national events be held here for the entire Region to benefit from it,” he said.

Mrs Gifty Amponsah, a Trader, expressed delight that choosing the region for national events was growing the local economy.

Master Felix Andoh, a Student, said he was preparing to march to impress and hoped that his school would emerge the best considering how much effort they had invested in preparing for the event.

He said he would use the opportunity to visit the Stadium for the first time.

Security
To ensure safety and order, the Police have put in place road traffic management measures to decongest traffic flow ahead of the celebration.

According to Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director, Public Affairs, Ghana Police Service, all vehicles without passes and car permits would not be allowed entry into the Cape Coast Stadium.

He said police shuttle buses had, therefore, been provided to shuttle all spectators to the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

Superintendent Obeng said spectators would park their vehicles at the following venues and join the shuttle buses: Jubilee park at Bakaano; CNC Park, opposite UCC first GATE on Takoradi – Cape Coast highway; AGGREY MEMORIAL A.M.E. ZION SNR HIGH SCHOOL – After Moree Toll Booth, on Accra- Cape Coast Highway (N1); ADISADEL Sports Stadium, near Pedu Junction, on Siwdo Road.

He said spectators from Jukwa, Kakumdo, Ensuakyir, Ankafo would park at Wesley Girls Senior High School.

Superintendent Obeng said the Cape Stadium Road at Kwamina Walker Street Junction and UCC School of Medical Sciences Mortuary Junction would be blocked this morning.

He said only vehicles with approved passes would be allowed access to the venue.