Accra, March 4, GNA - Teachers who are taking part in the 54th Independence Day celebrations were on Friday praised for their enthusiasm despite earlier threats to boycott the anniversary activities because of irregularities associated with the implementation of their Single Spine Salary Structure. Despite fears that they might abandon the programme, they

were at the Independence Square in their numbers on Friday

to assist their pupils and students who had been selected for

the march past that would be held on Sunday. "Yesterday, when I heard of their threat to boycott the

celebration, I was a bit apprehensive. But this morning when I

got here, I realised that most of those who are to take part in

the celebration had arrived and I was glad about that," said

Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Simon Ofoli, Officer in

Charge of the Parade. Speaking to the GNA at the Independence Square on

Friday during the last rehearsal, he said 41 contingents made

up of 10 school cadets, 14 first-cycle schools, 11 second-

cycle schools and six youth clubs in the Greater Accra Region

had been selected for the march past. "Just like last year, no security agency would be involved

in the celebration as we want to give the celebration a new

facelift," he explained. He said the programme would start at exactly 0830 hours

with the arrival of President John Evans Atta Mills and would

last for two hours. WO1 Ofoli praised the pupils and students for the

enthusiasm and level of endurance which had kept increasing

every year. "Although a few students felt dizzy, no one collapsed this

time. On the whole there has also been a tremendous

improvement in the way they march," he said. Officials from the 37 Military Hospital and the National

Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) were at hand to

offer medical assistance to those who might need it. Madam Noelle Yaa Boateng, a teacher of Ayalolo Junior

High School in Accra, who is the Parade Commander, praised

the pupils and students for their zeal in the celebration. Mr Theophlus Lamptey, a second year student of Kinbu

Secondary and Technical School, praised teachers for their

decision to participate in the celebrations which had spurred

them on to give of their best. "I wonder what this year's celebration would have been if

they (teachers) had boycotted it," he said.