Ghana marks Diamond Jubilee

Fourteen Heads of State or their representatives have confirmed their participation in Ghana’s 60th independence anniversary in Accra today. The countries include Zimbabwe, Togo, Zambia, Guinea, Rwanda, The Gambia, Mali and Equatorial Guinea.
The others are Algeria, Nigeria, Gabon, Morocco and Liberia.
The event is being marked with a colourful parade and march past at the Black Star Square in Accra as global attention is focused on the country.
As part of a number of national activities lined up to celebrate the significant milestone, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will review the parade involving some selected schoolchildren, personnel of the security agencies and some voluntary organisations.
Ghanaians from all walks of life are also expected to troop to the venue to witness the colourful celebration which begins at 7 a.m. today.
Mobilising for Ghana’s future
Highlights of the activities outlined by the Diamond Jubilee Planning Committee include the re-enactment of 29th February Crossroads Shooting incident by the Ghana Actors Guild to honour the heroes of the independence struggle; a video documentary on tales of yesteryears from the independence era to date and a lecture on the theme for the celebration: “Mobilising for Ghana’s future’’.
The event at the Black Star Square will be characterised by a ceremonial parade with troops of colour, to be followed by the lighting of the anniversary torch.
Similar parades will be held across the 10 regional capitals.
Traditional authorities and other people with diverse cultures across the country will also come together at the National Festival of Art to celebrate the fundamental harmony of the various cultural expressions with an exhibition of art and crafts.
Last Saturday, the premiering of a documentary titled: “From Gold Coast to Ghana: A glorious history of self- determination”, and a nationwide health walk across all 10 regions took place, while church services were organised yesterday to mark the celebration.
Yesterday too, the President gave out awards to schoolchildren.
Significant milestone
Ghana attained political independence from the British on March 6, 1957, and on that day Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first President, declared Ghana as an independent state in that famous independence speech in which, among other things, he said: “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked to the total liberation of Africa.’’
The political journey so far has been chequered, with almost four decades of multi-party democracy and two decades of military rule.
There is every indication that Ghanaians have settled for democracy, as against military rule, as the nation gears up to celebrate the year-long events to mark its 60th anniversary.