Emancipation Day to be all embracing

Accra, May 28, GNA - The Ministry of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City would be celebrating this year's Emancipation Day from July 22 to August 2 with a number of activities to ensure the active participation of the public.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Ms Victoria Antwi Sarpong said in a bid to correct the erroneous impression that the event was for foreigners "a lot of programmes have been put in place to sensitise the public about the origin and relevance of the celebration".

There would be public lectures in all the 10 regions on the theme: "The Relevance of Emancipation in the Socio-Economic Development of Ghana" between May and July 2004.

An Essay competition would also be organized for all Junior Secondary School (JSS) students throughout the country between June and July.

There would be "What do You Know Competition", on Emancipation in August, and a tour of selected sites related to the slave trade. The statement said there would also be a wreath laying ceremony to honour Freedom Fighters like Du Bios, George Padmore and Dr Kwame Nkrumah in the Emancipation struggle.

A durbar at Assin Manso would be held to give a more traditional touch to the Day.

The statement mentioned Wa, Gwollu, Salaga, Kafaba, Cape-Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, and Assin Praso among the places that would feature in this year's celebration. Emancipation Day celebration is organized annually in solidarity with Africans in the Diaspora.