Activities are underway across the country to mark the 60th anniversary of Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957.
It has been four coup d’etats and 11 presidents and Heads of State since that day when then Prime Minister and first President of modern Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah moved ‘the motion of destiny’ in Parliament for the independence of the country.
So every year, Independence Day celebrations are marked with the regular features – a parade, call-to-duty speech by the President and march-past by students and contingents from security agencies.
Independence celebrations are also held in the other nine regions of the country, often under the supervision of regional ministers.
As part of his call to Ghanaians to join the business of nation building, the President is expected to use his speech to rally the citizens around his vision for the country.
Hundreds of foreign leaders including Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and Zambia President are expected to grace the function.
Also, in attendance will be Ghanaians, and members of Diaspora.
The security agencies are expected to display some of their latest equipment to drive home their readiness to protect the country against foreign aggression.
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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived at the Independence Square in Accra to kickstart events. He waves with both hands -enthusiastically at the crowds in the stands.
Wearing a simple white smock he takes his position on a dais. The national anthem is beaten and sang followed by the national pledge. Traditional prayers are said.
All former presidents are present. Ghana has an enviable record in Africa of having three living former presidents.
NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia in cloth and next to him on the left is Ivor Greenstreet, 2016 CPP presidential candidate.
The National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu is also present.
The president moves around to exchange greetings with invited Presidents and Ghana’s former presidents. He talks to Robert Mugabe, ‘Uncle Bob’, the 93-year old President of Zimbabwe.