March 6th marks the anniversary of Ghana’s independence from colonial rule. Fifty-one years ago ago Doctor Kwame Nkrumah, who would later became Ghana’s first president, declared “Today, from now on, there is a new African in the world.” There is a big parade in Independence Square in Accra, this one being the final occasion for John Kufuor as President of Ghana. Each of the regional capitals also hosts a parade. Koforidua had two lengthy dress rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday mornings before the actual event. By the time I arrived at Jackson Park on Thursday morning it was 8 am and most of the marching groups had already filed onto the square. The event has to start early to avoid the heat of the day. It was cloudy but the sun soon came through. The spectators could watch from the canopied areas or from under the big trees around the Park’s boundary but the participants were out with no protection for approaching four hours. Several people fainted but the Red Cross stretcher bearers were on hand to get them to a shady area.
1,785 people took part in the parade, representing a range of groups. Obvious ones like the army, the police, various cadet forces, many of the schools and churches and some less expected like the hairdressers and beauticians and the prison officers’ wives. The range of uniforms made it a very colourful occasion. The event was attended by various regional VIPs including the regional minister, senior police, army and local government officials. The local traditional chief made the most impressive entrance with his own parasol bearer. There was a gymnastic display by children from the Presbyterian Trinity Model School, an inspection by the military officers and a march past. Once the VIPs had been collected in their official 4 x 4s, the park quickly emptied, leaving, for many, the rest of the day as a holiday.
1,785 people took part in the parade, representing a range of groups. Obvious ones like the army, the police, various cadet forces, many of the schools and churches and some less expected like the hairdressers and beauticians and the prison officers’ wives. The range of uniforms made it a very colourful occasion. The event was attended by various regional VIPs including the regional minister, senior police, army and local government officials. The local traditional chief made the most impressive entrance with his own parasol bearer. There was a gymnastic display by children from the Presbyterian Trinity Model School, an inspection by the military officers and a march past. Once the VIPs had been collected in their official 4 x 4s, the park quickly emptied, leaving, for many, the rest of the day as a holiday.
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