National independence celebration in Tamale commendable
Ghana gained independence from British Colonial Rule on March 6 1957.
The independence struggle started as far back as 1868 with the formation of the Fante Confederation.
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It was formed partly to resist the Anglo-Dutch exchange of Forts and partly to take over the administration of the then Gold Coast.
Then came the Aborigines Rights Protection Society led by John Mensah Sabbah, John Sey and others in 1897. But their efforts were thwarted by the then Governor, Sir Gordon Guggisburg, in 1927.
Activities of pressure groups such as the Association of the West African Merchants (AWAM) led to the boycott of British goods and the protest by ex-servicemen who had returned from World War II resulting in the killing of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey which also hastened the struggle for independence.
The formation of political parties in the 1940’s quickened the pace of independence. The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), led by Joseph Boakye Danquah, and later, the Convention People’s Party (CCP) with Dr Kwame Nkrumah as its leader were some of the major parties that come to mind.
Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his CPP took power from the British on March 6, 1957 with the popular slogan, “Action Now” that caught up with the people of the then Gold Coast, now Ghana.
Since then, Independence Day has been commemorated every year on March 6.
The day is celebrated throughout Ghana and the National Anniversary Parade of Security Personnel, Schoolchildren and other interest groups is held at the Black Star Square where the President (Prime Minister or Head of State) takes the salute and gives his speech.
The occasion is celebrated amid pomp and circumstance as traditional rulers adorn themselves in colourful clothes and regalia. Foreign dignitaries are invited to Ghana for the celebration.
The Diplomatic Corps are always present. politicians, government officials, public servants and the general public register their presence during this historic occasion.
Regional ministers, municipal and district executive officers also hold theirs at their various Jurisdictions simultaneously.
What is new?
For the first time, since independence the national anniversary parade will take place outside Accra, the nation’s capital. The event will take place in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital.
The 62nd Independence Day parade of security Services and Schoolchildren and other groups will be held at the Aliu mahama sports Stadium in Tamale.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, will take the salute.
This is historic, the first of its kind, and the president and his government need to be commended.
The week-long celebration, which is on the theme: ‘Celebrating Peace and Unity’ starts from Thursday, February 28 and ends on Friday March 8 2019.
This will expose invited dignitaries and others to other parts of Ghana, particularly the northern sector. According to the Deputy Minister of
Information, Mr Pius Enam-Hadzide, the theme was to consolidate the success in achieving peace and unity among the people of the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole.
We cannot underestimate the enormous economic benefits the people of the north stand to gain.
Those in the hospitality business, such hotels, guest houses, restaurants and recreational centres will have a field day.
Beauticians, designers and dealers in artefacts will not be left out.
Dealersin communication services such as sales of recharge cards, credit and mobile money transfer will also increase their sales. There is, therefore, the need to package their services and goods in a manner that will attract patronage.
The tourism sector will also receive a boost, since most travellers and students in the area will want to visit tourist sites in the vicinity.
Prospective travellers who wish to witness this historic event in Tamale will go on the internet to read about the culture, vegetation and the tourism potential of the area.
And it behoves the Regional Coordinating Council and the Ghana Tourism Authority to update their information on Ghana, particularly the northern sector.
One cannot overlook the psychological and emotional relief that the indigenes will experience. Every human being wants to be recognised and respected, and the fact that the President has selected the north as the host region will further boost the confidence and morale of the people.
I believe this is going to be replicated in other regions going forward, to expose the other parts of the country to the outside world and even Ghanaians.
The writer is a Staff of the Information Services Department.