Party for everybody: Ghana celebrates 61 years of Independence

Ghanaweb.com - The Republic of Ghana today Tuesday, March 6, 2017, turns 61 years since it attained independence on from British after over 100 years of colonial rule.

Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was the first Sub-Saharan African country to become independent on the back of Ghana’s first President and his Pan-African ethos, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The celebration will be marked with the traditional march past and parade at the iconic Black Star Square. The march will feature the usual active participation of school children alongside security personnel.

Parades will also be held simultaneously across all the regional and district capitals across the country.

President Nana Akufo-Addo will take the national salute, deliver a speech of solidarity to Ghanaians and light the perpetual flame. But in the regional capitals and districts, representatives of the President will take the national salute and read the President’s speech.

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Ghana to attend the country’s 61st independence anniversary celebrations today at the Independence Square.

President Buhari is the only foreign leader invited to the historic event as the special guest of honour.

The Nigerian leader is scheduled to address the august gathering. The statement further said that President Buhari will use the unique opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing warm relations between the peoples and governments of both nations.

He will also underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties in furtherance of democracy, good governance, and overall development not only in the West African sub-region but also the African continent.

The president and his delegation, which includes, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, will return to Abuja after the celebrations on Tuesday.