Parade held to mark 43rd Independence anniversary
Journalist, taxi driver assaulted
President Jerry John Rawlings on Monday called for caution and circumspection as the nation moves toward presidential and parliamentary elections in December to bring to an end his second and final term of office.
"While the government will continue to demonstrate tolerance and patience, I hope the opposition will take up their share of the responsibility to bring sanity to the electioneering campaign," he said.
The President was addressing a parade of school children and some voluntary organisations at the Independence Square to mark Ghana's 43rd anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.
The President appealed to the clergy, religious leaders, chiefs and other opinion leaders to bring their collective wisdom to bear on the few who are bent on dividing the people.
President Rawlings said he is aware that, among most Ghanaians, there is a deep anxiety and concern over attempts by some elements to manipulate sections of the media to create a feeling of self-doubt and hatred among Ghanaians.
"They have virtually declared war on our national sense of purpose and unity as well as our sense of decency."
He said the first casualty of the breakdown of peace and stability resulting from the irresponsible use of the media would be development.
"We need to learn lessons from other places, lessons that are vital for our common progress and development."
President Rawlings said after independence, Ghanaians now need to free themselves from attitudes that are counter-productive and which prevent the nation from realising its full potential.
"We all have a responsibility to create an environment for socio-economic growth and to generate confidence and feeling of empowerment amongst the younger generation. May we all resolve to put Ghana first in all our endeavours."
He said at the beginning of a new millennium, Africa stands on the threshold of a new age of renewal and hope. The continent is witnessing a major transition, hopefully, to a period of peace, security, stability, democratic governance, economic reform and social justice.
President Rawlings said Ghana has made some progress to the admiration of others in Africa and across the world.
"Ghana could make more substantial progress if we are able to maintain our national sense of purpose. This requires patriotism and constructive citizenship even as we criticise or express divergent views."
President Rawlings urged school children to take their studies seriously and keep away from drugs and immoral acts.
"You need to acquire the necessary skills, which will enable you to function in the increasingly complex scientific and technological world of the 21st century.
"This will be an age of great opportunities for those who can equip themselves with the relevant and appropriate skills.
"But it will also be a harsh world for those who remain illiterate or on the fringes of the technological revolution."
GRi../
Accra (Greater Accra) 6 March 2000
A parade of school children, both from the public and private basic and second cycle schools, youth and voluntary organisations and market women was held at the Independence Square on Monday to mark Ghana's 43rd Independence Anniversary.
It is under the theme "Peace and Development in a sustainable environment."
About 6,500 pupils, students, and other people took part in the parade that was reviewed by President Jerry John Rawlings.
Out of the number, school children from both public and private basic schools and second cycle institutions formed 68 contingents of 30 each while youth organisations and the Youth and Voluntary Organisations formed 29 contingents of the same strength.
Among those present were Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Justice Daniel Francis Annan, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, ministers, members of parliament and key political figures.
One special thing about this year's anniversary was that the number of the Head of State Annual award winners was double to make up for gender balance.
This year, two best JSS students - a girl and a boy - were selected from each region. Previously, it was one student from each region.
The Akwaaba Group and two other cultural groups, namely Alange, a recreational dance from the North, and Husago, a historic dance from Anlo in the south, graced the occasion.
In their anniversary message, representatives of the school children pledged to be good to their parents, protect the environment and contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
They further pledged to make themselves available for the forthcoming population and housing census by explaining its noble aims and objectives to the people.
They also urged peaceful elections in December and appealed to the government, parents and religious bodies for greater access to education to enable them to come out as quality future leaders.
At Tamale, pupils, students and voluntary organisations from the Tamale municipality exhibited a colourful march and cultural displays to mark the anniversary at the Tamale Police Park.
In all 38 primary and junior secondary schools, 10 senior secondary schools, four training colleges and hosts of voluntary organisations as well as cultural troupes participated in the parade.
At Tema, Mr Nii Armah Ashietey, the Municipal Chief Executive, said the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA) has committed 470 million cedis this year to improve educational facilities in the Municipality.
He said the Tema Secondary Schools (TEMASCO) will get more classrooms while furniture will be provided for schools which have not got full compliments of furniture.
Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper East Regional Minister, in Bolgatanga that Ghana has chalked significant achievements in political stability and social cohesion over the years, even though the journey after independence has not been smooth.
Real and positive changes have also occurred in many sectors of the economy, particularly in the provision of infrastructure and social services, the Minister added.
Mrs. Esther Lily Nkansah, Western Regional Minister expressed regret that the 1999 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results in the region was no better than the previous year's.
She was, however, happy that enrolment of pupils in schools is increasing and called on stakeholders in education to adopt effective strategies to ensure that teaching and learning goes on smoothly.
In Cape Coast, Mr Jacob Arthur, Central Regional Minister defied a downpour to review a parade formed by six cadet corps from some second cycle schools at the St. Augustine's College sports field to mark the celebration.
At Kumasi, Mr Samuel Nuama Donkor, Ashanti Regional Minister called on Ghanaians to help to eliminate tribalism, favouritism and nepotism in the society and invoke the spirit of national unity, peace and understanding.
It is proper and necessary on this occasion to tell the story of the nation's independence to the youth to appreciate the sacrifices of the founding fathers, Mr Nuama Donkor said.
GRi../
Accra (Greater Accra) 6 March 2000
Five men on Sunday assaulted a journalist and a taxi driver near the W.E.B. Dubois Centre at Cantonments for what they said was their way of teaching the taxi driver a "driving sense".
They would have made mince meat of the two but for the timely intervention of residents and passers-by.
The five, driving in a grey Seat Cordoba salon car with registration number GW 8728 D, pulled the driver out of his car and took turns to beat him, and tore his shirt.
The attackers said the taxi driver had crossed their car at the junction towards the Dubois Centre.
When the GNA reporter who was on board the taxi intervened and pleaded for sanity, he was subjected to a similar treatment.
One of the five men said: "I am an officer in the army. If you do not shut up, we will lock the two of you up at Gondar Barracks".
At this stage, drivers, residents and passers-by intervened and the taxi left but the five persons followed it to the Soul Clinic Church where they assaulted the taxi driver and journalist again until personnel from a private security company saved them from further harassment.
Efforts on Monday morning to get in touch with the Public Relations Department at Burma Camp on the issue did not yield any results as there was no senior officer available.
Two soldiers who were on duty said they had no knowledge of the owner of the car.
The case has been reported to the Cantonments police who say they are investigating.
GRi../