Students in the Nabdam District marked this year’s Ghana Independence Day celebration with a powerful traditional war dance performance, rekindling memories of the courage, unity and resilience that defined the nation’s struggle for freedom, reports Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, Zanlerigu.
Clad in traditional attire and moving rhythmically to the beat of drums and gongs, the students performed the symbolic war dance during the district’s parade to dramatise the spirit of resistance and determination that characterised Ghana’s journey to independence.
The performance, which drew loud applause from chiefs, teachers and community members, depicted scenes of warriors preparing for battle, advancing with strength and unity and defending their land.
Through coordinated steps, chants and dramatic gestures, the students portrayed the bravery of those who fought in different ways for the liberation of the country.
The Nabdam District Director of Education, Ms Gladys Ayamga, urged students to remain disciplined and focused on their education, stressing that education remained the strongest foundation for building a prosperous nation.
The Nabdam District Chief Executive (DCE), Francis Yenwona Tobig, said the government had announced plans to construct 200 kindergartens, 200 primary schools and 200 junior high schools nationwide in 2026 to address infrastructure gaps within the education sector.
Some of the school pupils performing the war dance
Mr Tobig also disclosed that the government had strengthened interventions aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions, including the rollout of the Teacher Housing Initiative, which sought to construct 50,000 housing units nationwide, particularly for teachers serving in remote communities.
He added that the Nabdam District Assembly had already undertaken some education-related projects, including the construction of a three-unit classroom block at Damok, a two-unit kindergarten block at Nkwiznesi, and the rehabilitation of the Tindongo Junior High School, as part of efforts to improve the learning environment for students.
From Cape Coast, Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that the day was marked with a parade of pupils and students from selected educational institutions in the metropolis at Victoria Park.
The cadet corps of the St Augustine’s College and Ghana National College also participated in the parade.
In the other municipal and district assemblies across the region, similar parades were held to mark the day.
At Victoria Park, smartly dressed students marched past with carefully rehearsed arm-swing and strides as the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, George Justice Arthur, took the salute.
Mr Arthur, in his remarks, said the government was on course to build institutions and systems needed to create jobs, provide quality education and health care and good governance for the well-being of all.
The Cape Coast Metropolitan Director of Education, Thomas Kwofie, urged young people to be disciplined and work hard to sustain the gains made towards a prosperous Ghana.
Effutu Senior High School was adjudged first in the Senior High School (SHS) division, St Peter’s Anglican School placed first in the Junior High School (JHS) division, while Royal Palace School emerged first in the Primary division.
Apam Senior High School and Gomoa Secondary Technical were also recognised for their meritorious strides.
Gilbert Mawuli Agbey reports from Kumasi that there was no regional parade for Ghana’s 69th independence anniversary celebration.
However, there were events and parades across the 43 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to commemorate the day.
More importantly, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) held a forum at the Prempeh Assembly Hall to celebrate the country’s independence.
The event was interspersed with poetry recitals and storytelling about Ghana’s independence and cultural displays.
Additionally, the ceremony was used to present awards to students for their exceptional performance.
The Chief Executive of the KMA, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, said the theme reflected the government’s broader strategic vision anchored in the resetting agenda, which sought to restore confidence, strengthen institutions and improve the everyday lives of the citizenry.
He called on every Ghanaian, including the government, private sector players and civil society organisations, among others, to play an active role in nation building.
In a welcome address, the Kumasi Metro Director of the Ghana Education Service, David Oppong, urged Ghanaians to use the occasion to reaffirm their commitment and dedication towards building a stronger and more prosperous Ghana for the benefit of all.
From Tema, Benjamin Xornam Glover reports that the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright, urged young people to rediscover their sense of purpose, responsibility and patriotism that once made Tema Ghana’s leading industrial city.
Speaking at a parade held at the Community 8 No. 2 Basic School Park, she reflected on the historic moment in 1957 when the British flag was lowered, and Ghana’s flag was raised for the first time.
According to her, the moment symbolised more than a political transition; it represented the hopes and determination of a people ready to govern themselves.
The event featured 26 contingents made up of 1,053 students and 54 teachers from public and private schools, including senior high schools and youth clubs. Gymnastics and cultural performances also formed part of the celebration.
The Metropolitan Director of Education, Bernice Ofori, said this year’s theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope”, spoke directly to the role education must play in shaping the country’s future.
“Prosperity is not just about the gold, cocoa, or oil we have. It is also about our most valuable resource, our young people,” she said.
She stressed the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing world by equipping them with digital skills, practical knowledge, and the ability to solve real-world problems.
Source:
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