The Ga West Municipal Assembly has commemorated Ghana’s 69^th Independence Anniversary with a colourful parade at the Amasaman Cluster of Schools Park, bringing together schools and community members from across the municipality.

The celebration formed part of nationwide activities marking Ghana’s Independence Day, observed every year on March 6 to celebrate the country’s freedom from colonial rule under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. The event was held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”

Government officials, traditional authorities, students, teachers, security personnel, and residents gathered at the parade grounds to witness the ceremony. A total of 21 contingents made up of 9 public basic schools, 7 private basic schools, 2 second-cycle schools, and 3 cadet corps participated in the parade. In all, 630 learners and 42 teachers took part in the event.

The programme began with the arrival of the various school contingents, who marched proudly onto the parade grounds before dignitaries arrived and took their seats. The ceremony proceeded with the hoisting of the national flag, accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem, creating a moment of patriotism and pride among the audience.

Delivering the welcome address, the Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Victor Noye Tawiah, reminded the gathering that March 6 represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s history.

He noted that the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers paved the way for independence and called on citizens to continue working towards national development.

Mr Tawiah explained that the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope” reflects the need to create opportunities for citizens to thrive. According to him, prosperity is not only about wealth but also about building strong systems that support growth in education, infrastructure, and human development.

He emphasized the need to improve both physical and digital learning environments by providing modern classrooms and educational facilities to help students excel.

Touching on developments within the education sector in the municipality, the Director disclosed that school enrolment has increased by 6 per cent, an indication of growing interest in education. However, he also highlighted some challenges facing schools, including inadequate classroom furniture, the need for renovation of some school buildings, and instances where school compounds are invaded by community members who steal school property.

He further noted that the Education Directorate has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes. These include guidance and counselling programmes, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of STEM education through mobile science learning activities and visits to science resource centres.

Academically, the municipality has maintained an average examination pass rate of 85 per cent, but the Director expressed concern that the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results were not encouraging. He assured participants that measures are being implemented to achieve a 90 per cent pass rate in future examinations and advised candidates preparing for the BECE to avoid examination malpractice.

The parade was later inspected by dignitaries, including the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai; the Member of Parliament for Amasaman Constituency, Hon. Sedem Kwaku Afenyo; the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs Louisa Benon and the Municipal Director of Education Mr. Victor Noye Tawiah.

After the inspection, the contingents performed an impressive march past, displaying discipline, coordination, and patriotism.

In his address, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai, stated that the celebration was an opportunity not only to commemorate Ghana’s independence but also to reflect on the country’s responsibilities towards development.

He recalled that on March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, describing the historic declaration “Ghana is free forever” as the beginning of a journey toward self-governance, dignity, and African pride.

Speaking on the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” the MCE noted that prosperity involves creating opportunities for every citizen, from farmers and traders to artisans, teachers, and young graduates seeking for employment.

He emphasized that the Assembly remains committed to expanding local economic opportunities, supporting small and medium enterprises, improving infrastructure and sanitation, strengthening education and skills training, and enhancing revenue mobilization to accelerate development in the municipality.

Hon. Sowah Nai highlighted several ongoing development projects in the municipality. These include the construction of a two-storey six-unit classroom block with teachers’ accommodation at Manhean, a two-storey six-unit classroom block and library at Adjen Kotoku, and a three-unit classroom block with a library at Afuaman.

Other projects include the completion of a three-unit classroom block at Mpehuasem, the rehabilitation of a six-unit classroom block at Kpobikope, the construction of a CHPS compound at Pobiman, and the expansion of health centres at Manchie-Korleyman.

He also mentioned the drilling and mechanization of 15 new boreholes and maintenance of 30 existing ones, dredging works on major drains, including the Kpaakpo Kportoi earth drain, and the installation of streetlights across electoral areas in the municipality.

The Member of Parliament for Amasaman Constituency, Hon. Sedem Kwaku Afenyo, also addressed the gathering and emphasized that Independence Day is not only a time to remember the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers but also a reminder of the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to national development.

He noted that prosperity can be achieved through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and improved living standards. The MP also highlighted ongoing development projects in the constituency, including classroom block constructions at Manhean, Afuaman, and Kotoku, as well as major road projects such as the Nsawam–Amasaman Road and the Pokuase–Katapo Road.

The celebration ended with the presentation of certificates, cash prizes, and books to outstanding contingents and participants in recognition of their impressive performance during the parade.

The event concluded on a note of patriotism, with participants reaffirming their commitment to building a prosperous future and restoring hope for the next generation.

SOURCE: GIFTY OWUSU KATTAH, ISD-GWMA.