Ghana the cradle of independence from foreign colony in its memorial celebration held its national 67^th Independence Celebration at Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana of which in decentralized celebration, Twifo/Ati-Morkwa district of the Central Region also emulated the annual routine. This year’s activity was colourful in celebration and joyous in memory. It was calibrated into various sections with opening prayer from Very Reverend Shadrach Abekah, the National Anthem recital followed. An Inspection of Guard of Honour was done by the DCE (Hon. Robert Agyemang-Nyatakyi), accompanied by the District Police Commander (SP Charles Addai-Boateng), Fire Commander DOIII Solomon Mensah, and Immigration Commander PSI Perry Gardener. The various dignitaries were then introduced followed by a cultural display.

In an address by the District Director of Education Mrs. Augustina Atakorah she commended the organisers of this year’s event for their immense contribution to making the event a national standard ceremony. She encouraged teachers to be inclusive in the progress of students and be united towards a holistic development of students, and have a sense of pride on how far we have come as a nation in terms of education. It has not been without challenges that teachers over the years have devoted themselves to the nurturing of students. Teachers should remember the sacrifices of the founding fathers of Ghana’s freedom, gallant teachers are on this day hailed for producing leaders of change and democracy, this she said.

Hon. David T.D Vondee the Member of Parliament (MP) for the district delivered his speech on this year’s independence theme “Our Democracy Our Pride”. The Member of Parliament for the district acknowledged the contributions of leaders in and about the district in the passage of the LGBTQ+ bill. He reiterated that in protecting the heritage and culture of the citizens his outfit will continue to fight and soldier on until the bill is finally signed and accepted as Law. He prayed families and individuals join in the fight until every citizen enjoy access to a better life. This year being an election year, he will continue to push the agenda of the district in parliament till the very end.

In furtherance of the event, the Hon. DCE in his speech at the ceremony shared undoubtedly and regrettably his last opportunity to delivering any Independence Day speech as the District Chief Executive of the Twifo/Ati-Morkwa District. “The theme for the celebration, “Our Democracy, Our Pride,” could not be appropriate as this year is a year Ghanaians will be matching to the polls to select leaders for our great country. Indeed, the theme envelopes the essence of Ghanaians collective journey. Democracy is not merely a political system; it is a living testament to the power vested in the hands of the people. Democracy is a government by the people in which supreme power is vested and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. It thrives on the diversity of voices, opinions, and dreams that make our nation a vibrant fabric of cultures, languages, and traditions”, this he said at the gathering.

He emphasized how Education has taken the center of governments heart as it is one of the most executed projects in his tenure as a DCE; ranging from classroom blocks to IT Labs and dual desks all to making teaching and learning conducive. In the area of free SHS, over fourteen million (14,000,000) students across the country have benefitted from the policy. Moreso, he commended the efforts of BECE and WASSCE candidates in the just ended West African examinations for their comportment and decency during examinations.

In the area of digitization, he reflected on how the government through his innovative policies have made access to information and places, business engagement to mention but a few very easy and accessible; from Ghana Card to digital addressing. Community Development was one of the areas his administration has both internationally and locally been recognized as best ranging from the installation of Telephonic availability in far reaching areas within the district and wireless internet in most if not all public agencies within the district and the completion of the Pra bridge.

He ceased the opportunity to thank residents of Twifo/Ati-Morkwa District, Heads of Department/Institutions who have and is supportive in the management of the entire District till date most especially District Police Commander, Supt. Charles Addai Boateng, the District Intelligence officer, Mr. Felix Kwofie and other DISEC members for their diverse support since he assumed office. Also, he commended the school children, teachers, security agencies and everyone who contributed to making the parade a success.

A competitive match pass between invited schools followed shortly, from primary to Senior High Schools, they numbered thirteen schools in all. After the competition Holy Hill Preparatory a private school were crowned best in uniformity, outlook and conduct during the match pass.

Other awards and presentations were made to assemblymen, staff and schools. They comprised best local government staff which went to Mr. Eric Nyame of the works department, best Ghana Education Staff went to Mr. Emmanuel Amofa and a special award went to KG Complex School.

In conclusion, the program was successful as per the planned arrangement. Below are the names of the dignitaries that were present at the program.

STAKE HOLDERS PRESENT