Massive turnout at June 4 celebration
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The huge crowd spilled over to the road in front of the Flagstaff House and caused a massive traffic jam that lasted some hours as anxious people from all walks of life attended the ceremony. The traffic started from the 37 Military Hospital roundabout to the Ako Adjei Interchange.
June 4 is a day the Ghana Armed Forces led a revolt against oppression and corruption in the country. To climax the anniversary, wreaths were laid for the fallen heroes of the Ghana Armed Forces as well as cadres who lost their lives during the uprising. The ceremony was also used to reflect on the principles of the uprising, which were probity, accountability and patriotism.
Ft Lt J. J. Rawlings, the leader of the June 4 Uprising, even though present at the lighting of the perpetual flame, did not light it himself but delegated Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, Second Vice Chairman of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Martin Amidu, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and the Chief of Adiembra, Obaafuor Yentumi Ampofo Opare II, to light it on his behalf.
The former President, who maintained a low profile throughout the wreath-laying ceremony, also delegated his powers to the Volta Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Kpone Katamanso, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, to lay the first wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana.
The second wreath was laid by WO I M. Salifu, on behalf of the Security Services for their members who lost their lives during the uprising so that the principles of probity and accountability could prevail over corruption, nepotism and nefarious activities which were taking root in the body politic of the country 34 years ago.
The Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Abokobi Constituency, Mrs Rejoice Ahiable, laid the third wreath on behalf of the cadre corps who sacrificed their lives for the principles of the June 4 Uprising.
The traditional rulers’ wreath was laid by the acting President of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Dodoo Nsaki III, on behalf of all the traditional rulers in the country.
Nii Dodoo Nsaki, who is also the Otubluhum Mantse, made a short speech on behalf of Flt Lt Rawlings on the need for Ghanaians to imbibe the principles of probity and accountability.
He urged Ghanaians to be tolerant of each other’s views so that the country would continue to live in the perfect peace which it was currently experiencing.
He said without peace and unity, the task of developing the nation on a sound economic footing could become a mirage.
He said all first-rate and economically sound countries enjoyed peace for a long period of time before being able to reach the level everybody was admiring.
Nii Dodoo Nsaki, therefore, appealed to Ghanaians to adopt the principles of probity, accountability and patriotism, as well as the rule of law, which the June 4 Uprising brought to light, to enable the country to live in everlasting peace and unity.
Nii Dodoo Nsaki said peace and unity were the prerequisites for rapid development and economic prosperity, since conflicts sapped the energy and resources of citizens, as well as the nation.
Story: Abdul Aziz