Independence Day Celebrations Ho

Ho, March 6, GNA - Eight contingents of the Security Services took part in the parade in Ho on Friday to mark Ghana's 52nd Independence Day. With them were 30 contingents of pupils from the primary, junior and senior high schools and cadet corps. Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, reviewed the parade, which was under the command of Major Anthony Setorwu, of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho.

Mr Amenowode in his address urged the chiefs and people of the Region to join the national crusade to check indiscipline in the society. He observed that national unity, discipline and hard work were the prerequisites for national development. Mr Amenowode said certain measures announced in the government's fiscal policy for 2009 delivered to Parliament, last Thursday, gave indications of President John Evans Atta Mills' pledge to the nation to improve the lives of the people through transparent and dedicated leadership. He urged Ghanaians to eschew divisiveness and regard the country as one big constituency.

The Right Reverend Francis Amenu, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, urged Ghanaians to eradicate pride, arrogance and corruption, which he said were evils of the society. Seven Garrison Primary School, Volta Barracks Junior High School and OLA Secondary School were first in the competitive march past in their various categories while Sacred Heart Cadet Corps was first among the cadet corps.

At Denu in the Volta Region, Mr Peter Thompson, Ketu South District Coordinating Director, on Friday said the unity of Ghanaians that gave the country independence 52 years ago was very much needed today to develop the country. He was addressing a parade of security agencies, pupils and students on parade to mark this year's Independence Day anniversary in the District.

Mr Thompson said that unity among Ghanaians was important since the problems confronting the country could not be resolved when there existed divisions among the people. He said that all political and ethnic differences should be put aside for all of to fight underdevelopment. Mr Thompson called on the youth to show the courage and discipline needed to take over the leadership in all areas in the future.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Friday said plans were far advanced for the establishment of a Sheanut Development Board to enhance operations of the sheanut industry in the North. This, he said, would not only create an enabling environment for easy processing of the commodity but would also generate revenue for the people.

Vice President Mahama announced this when addressing the 52nd Independence Day parade in Bolgatanga. He took the salute in a march past by personnel of Ghana Police Service, Customs Excise and Preventive Service, Immigration Service, Prisons Service Ghana National Fire Service and educational institutions.

Vice President Mahama said poverty and lack of employment opportunities were contributory factors to the perennial conflicts in Bawku and other flashpoints in the northern part of the country. "Incidences of violent conflict would be greatly reduced if the youth are engaged in productive ventures all year round," he said. He reiterated government's determination to alleviate the poverty situation in the area through the creation of jobs that would engage the youth in active economic production.

Vice President Mahama said government in recognition of the poverty situation in the three regions of the North, had drawn up pragmatic policies to address the problem. These include extension of the road network, investment on health and education, and improvement of the agricultural sector. Vice President Mahama however, observed that government's plans to reduce poverty and ensure development in the area could not be achieved in turmoil. He pointed out that constant violence in Bawku and other parts of the Upper East Region would not only deny the area of meaningful development, but would also scare off potential investors and deny them employment opportunities.

"Finding absolute peace in Bawku and other parts of the Region is, therefore, my administration's priority," he declared. Vice President Mahama urged the chiefs, opinion leaders, security agencies and all well-meaning citizens to support President Mills' administration to achieve its objective. He commended the parade commander, officers and men of the security agencies, school children, voluntary organisations and identifiable groups who participated in the parade for their smart turn out and splendid performance.