This year’s national 67th Independence Day celebrations for the first time, is to be held in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Acheampong in an interview with Fantehemaa on Dadi FM “Efa wo ho” morning show, outlined plans being put in place for the celebrations.
The minister stressed that this year’s celebrations will in Koforidua and emphhasized the programme will be a week-long celebration, starting from February 28.
Hon. Acheampong said the celebration began with a remembrance service held at the freedom monument at Osu, for soldiers who were killed during the 28th February Christianborg Crossroads Shooting Incident.
Other programmes to be held include an Invest in Eastern Business and Investment forum (INVESPO) to sell ourselves and our culture, a student debate on March 3, a “What Do You Know” competition at the Kumasi Technical University and a presidential special award for schools at the Accra International Conference Centre.
He said “In preparation for the climax of the celebrations on Independence day, March 6, a nationwide clean-Ghana day was organised together with a health and fitness walk. “Gob3” (beans) after-party, chop bar experience, fireworks display, presidents cup football match between Asante Kotoko and ASEC mimosas of Ivory Coast and thanksgiving prayers on Sunday at the Kumasi Technical University.
“Monday March 4 is wear-Ghana day, where every citizen is encouraged to adorn a Ghanaian outfit, and the climax of celebrations will have a food festival with various Ghanaian dishes on display” Hon. Acheampong said.
Mention was made of complaints from some residents on the excessive noise from helicopters flying in and out of the region.
In response, Hon. Acheampong said “security personnel have been deployed to assist in security matters of the town, and encouraged residents to endure for this short period. March has been declared a heritage month for Ghana. A suggestion was however made by co-host of the show, Kwaku to scrap the celebration of Independence Day, with resources channeled to more pressing issues. Reference was made to a similar thing done by the President of Tanzania, who asked for Independence Day funds to be used for developmental projects”.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Thelma Okaebea Obeng and Tracy Adjeley Sack
