Accra, Feb. 23, GNA - Government on Tuesday launched the 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations in Accra with the introduction of a logo that would serve as a template for future celebrations.

The National Celebration Planning Committee has chosen "Investing in the Youth for a Better Ghana" as the theme of the anniversary in recognition of the central role the youth have played in Ghana's history. Mr. Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Information, who launched the celebrations at a press conference in Accra, said "this year's celebration is marked by activities in which the youth are central to the events".

He called on Ghanaians to join in the celebrations by adorning their homes and workplaces with the national flag during the period of the celebration.

Activities planned for the celebrations are "What Do you Know Contest", hoisting of flags and decoration of offices with national colours by all Ghanaians and publishing of official biographies of historical figures associated with the 28th February Crossroads shooting.

Other activities are nationwide clean-up exercise as well as the re-enactment, wreath laying and flag raising ceremony of the 28th February Crossroads Shooting incident in Accra.

The rest are the presentation of President's Independence Day Awards and schools debate championship awards, re-enactment of declaration of independence by Ghana Actors Guild, anniversary parade of school children, Ghana Armed Forces Open Day, week of fasting and prayer, Muslim day of prayer and thanksgiving and a national prayer and thanksgiving day to be replicated in all regional and district capitals.

Mr. Ablakwa said the committee was in consultation with the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Celebrations Committee to ensure harmony in the centenary year celebrations of Ghana's First President.

He appealed to the media to participate in the celebrations with intensive coverage on events and activities of the anniversary.