The Shai-Osudoku District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region joined the rest of the country to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary with a colourful parade and ceremony held at the Asutsuare R/C Basic School park.

The event brought together traditional authorities, government officials, security agencies, teachers, students and residents to reflect on the nation’s progress and renew commitment to development under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”

The celebration was attended by the Member of Parliament for the area, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, traditional leaders, assembly members, heads of departments, representatives of political parties, members of the clergy and the media. Students from several basic schools across the district participated in a march past, demonstrating discipline and patriotism in honour of Ghana’s independence.

Delivering the keynote address, the District Chief Executive for Shai-Osudoku, Ignatius Godfred Dordoe, described the celebration as an important moment not only to remember Ghana’s political freedom but also to reflect on the collective responsibility of citizens to contribute to national development. He noted that the struggle led by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah sixty-nine years ago was a declaration of confidence in the nation’s ability to govern itself and shape its own destiny.

Dordoe emphasised that this year’s theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” is a call for action rather than a mere slogan. According to him, prosperity can only be achieved through deliberate policies, strong institutions and equipping young people with the skills required in a rapidly changing world. He added that hope is restored when citizens believe in governance systems that are transparent, fair and capable of creating opportunities for all.

The DCE also referenced the State of the Nation Address delivered by the President, John Dramani Mahama, in which the President outlined measures aimed at stabilising the economy through fiscal discipline and reforms. According to Dordoe, these policies are expected to reduce the tax burden, stabilise the national currency and ease economic pressures on households and businesses.

Highlighting development initiatives within the district, the DCE disclosed that work has begun on several major road projects under the government’s “Big Push Project,” including the Aveyime–Asutsuare road, the Dodowa–Afienya–Dawhenya corridor and the Ashiaman–Akosombo road. He added that the Asutsuare Junction–Asutsuare road is also expected to commence soon, a development that residents have long anticipated.

He explained that the road improvements are expected to ease transportation challenges, enhance trade and improve access to healthcare and educational facilities across the district. In addition, the Assembly has been deploying District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) machines to rehabilitate selected roads, including plans to fix the Asutsuare–Akuse road to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

The DCE further announced several projects aimed at improving education infrastructure within the district. Among them are the completion of a three-unit classroom block at Dodowa Methodist School, a two-unit kindergarten block at Ayikuma Methodist School and another kindergarten block with washroom facilities at Asutsuare. Ongoing projects also include a six-unit classroom block at Osuwem and another at Fiakonya, as well as a school complex with a toilet facility at Rahman Town.

He added that construction has begun on a two-storey classroom facility at Dodowa Technical Institute and a four-unit teachers’ quarters at Abuviekpong. Additionally, the district has procured 659 pieces of furniture for teachers and pupils to improve teaching and learning conditions.

In the health sector, Dordoe indicated that work is progressing on Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in communities such as Tokpo, Dormeliam, Tachiekope, Klebuse and Ayenya. The Assembly is also constructing ten-seater water closet facilities and mechanised boreholes in several communities to improve sanitation and access to clean water.

The Assembly Chief also announced an ongoing revenue data collection exercise aimed at developing a comprehensive database of properties and businesses in the district. He explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen internally generated funds and ensure fairness in revenue mobilisation to support development projects.

The DCE called on chiefs, opinion leaders and residents to support the initiative by complying with the data collection exercise. According to him, effective revenue mobilisation will enable the Assembly to undertake more development projects and address pressing needs such as roads, sanitation and youth employment.

He further urged residents to embrace the National Sanitation Day initiative and participate actively in community clean-up exercises, stressing that sanitation challenges require collective responsibility and discipline.

Addressing the students who participated in the parade, the DCE encouraged them to take their education seriously and remain disciplined, noting that they represent the future of the district and the nation. He also urged them to embrace digital technology and acquire skills that will make them competitive in the modern global economy.

The Member of Parliament for the area, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, used the occasion to honour outstanding students from the Shai-Osudoku District who distinguished themselves in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination and West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

During the ceremony, the overall best performing student received a cash prize of GH₵10,000 in recognition of exceptional academic performance. The gesture was aimed at encouraging academic excellence among students and motivating young people in the district to pursue their studies with dedication and discipline.

In total, students from more than 18 basic schools across the district took part in the parade, each represented by 21 pupils. Participating schools included Natriku R/C Basic, Kadjanya R/C Basic, Osuwem D/A Basic, Osuwem R/C Basic, Asutsuare Estate Basic Schools 1 and 2, Asutsuare R/C Basic Schools 1 and 2, Volivo-Lanor D/A Basic, Kosunya R/C Basic, Kasunya D/A Basic, Lubuse R/C Basic, Kewum-Atrobinya D/A Basic, Nyapienya D/A Basic, St. Francis of Assisi Basic School, Asutsuare Bethel Methodist Basic School, Dormeliam SDA Basic School and Global Kingdom Preparatory School.

Students from Ghanata Senior High School also participated with cultural performances and brass band music performances.

As the celebration concluded, Dordoe called on residents of the district to recommit themselves to the values of unity, peace and cooperation to ensure that every community in Shai-Osudoku benefits from the dividends of national development.

The ceremony ended with patriotic songs and a march past by the participating schools, symbolising the district’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of responsible citizens for Ghana’s continued progress.

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