By Jeremiah Nutsugah
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the Republic of Ghana celebrated its 67th Independence Anniversary with a colourful parade at the capital of the Eastern Region, Koforidua.
Ghana holds the distinction of being the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to secure independence from Britain on March 6, 1957.
After 83 years of British colonial rule, Ghana gained independence, marking a monumental achievement as the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from British control.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s inaugural President, hailed the nation’s liberation from colonial rule as a significant milestone in its leadership.
The occasion was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the invited guest, President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast.
Also in attendance were the Minister for Interior, Henry Quartey, and the Minister for Education, Adutwum, as well as chiefs from the Eastern region.
Themed “Our Democracy, Our Pride,” the 2024 Independence Day celebration aimed to reinforce democratic values and promote peace, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 general election.
The event featured 21 contingents representing various security agencies, 11 schools, and numerous traditional groups, all actively participating in the festivities.
A vibrant parade showcased the marching skills of personnel from Ghana’s security agencies, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Prison Service, and Immigration.
Representatives from schools across the Eastern region, such as Pope John Senior High School, Aburi Girls Senior High School, Abuakwa State College, Koforidua Technical Senior High School, and Oti Boateng Senior High School, added to the colourful spectacle.
In his address, President Nana Addo emphasised Ghana’s commitment to democracy, highlighting the nation’s journey towards self-governance. He acknowledged Ghana’s progress in electoral practices and stability during the 4th Republic, emphasising the continuous improvement in each election cycle.
“All the defining elements of a democracy that are part of our governance architecture today, we have had to fabricate ourselves. Everything we know about elections today, and we know quite a bit, we have learnt through hard practice, and, in the past thirty-one (31) years, we have been stable.”
“We have not got a perfect system, but, every time we have had elections during this 4th Republic, it has been an improvement on the previous occasion.”
The special guest of Honour at the occasion, the president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Watara in his speech, congratulated Ghana for the beautiful parade displayed and the achievements in Ghana despite the diverse challenges at the global level with COVID, war between Russia and Ukraine, and obviously in Gaza and Palestine.
He also thanked President Akufo-Addo for the commitment to regional economic integration shown during his tenure as president of ECOWAS.
“You did an exceptional job and an outstanding job and I do not want to leave but continue for many years. I thank Ghana for their contribution towards the success of the thirteenth of AFCON which took place in Ivory Coast in January 13 to February 11 this year.
