Ghana’s annual Independence Day anniversary parades and related activities have been suspended nationwide, for the first time, due to the upsurge in the COVID-19 active cases in the country.
The suspension was directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and communicated to the Ghana Education Service (GES) through the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The day is celebrated on March 6 with parades of personnel from security services and school children, to commemorate the attainment of the country’s Independence from colonial rule in 1957. This year marks 64 years.
A letter signed by the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana (GES), Anthony Boateng, to all Regional Directors of Education, said the directive affected all regions and metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.
“Consequently, management of the GES wishes to inform all regions that the 64th Independence Anniversary Parade on the 6th March 2021 have been suspended forthwith across the country.”
“All Regional Directors are therefore entreated to bring this important directive to the notice of Metropolitan/Municipal/District Education Directors and Heads of all institutions under their jurisdiction for strict compliance,” it said.
As of yesterday morning, the Ghana Health Service’s COVID-19 update indicated that the country had recorded 7,850 active cases with 542 deaths out of a total case count of 68,100.
Although this is the first time the celebration has been suspended nationwide, it would not be the first time in some regions and districts as downpour had disrupted the events in the past.
Aside the local level commemorations, a national parade has over the years been held at the Black Star Square, in Accra where the President addressed the country and received salutes.
Since 2019, the national celebration had been rotating through the regions by the government, beginning with the Northern Region to promote a sense of belonging and cultural diversity. Last year’s celebration was marked in the Ashanti Region.
BY TIMES REPORTER
