The Republic of Ghana today Tuesday, March 6, 2017, turns 61 years since it attained independence from the British after over 100 years of colonial rule.
Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was the first Sub-Saharan African country to attain independence on the back of Ghana’s first President and his Pan-African ethos, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The celebration will be marked with a parade by officers and men drawn from the Armed Forces and various Security Services as well as teachers and students from first and second cycle institutions in the Accra Metropolise. The celebration under the theme "Ghana beyond Aid" will take place at the iconic Black Star Square, and is expected to be attended by members of the various arms of government, members of the diplomatic corps, other notable dignitaries and the general public.
Parades will also be held simultaneously across all the regional and district capitals across the country.
President Nana Akufo-Addo will take the national salute, deliver a speech of solidarity to Ghanaians and light the perpetual flame. But in the regional capitals and districts, representatives of the President will take the national salute and read the President’s speech.
President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Ghana to attend the country’s 61st independence anniversary celebrations today at the Independence Square.
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President Buhari is the only foreign leader invited to the historic event as the special guest of honour.
The Nigerian leader is scheduled to address the august gathering. The statement further said that President Buhari will use the unique opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing warm relations between the peoples and governments of both nations.
He will also underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties in furtherance of democracy, good governance, and overall development not only in the West African sub-region but also the African continent.
The Nigerian president and his delegation, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, will return to Abuja after the celebrations on Tuesday.