As part of measures to enhance unity and harmony among the Ghanaian populace, President Akufo-Addo decided to break the 61-year-old cycle of holding the Independence Day Celebrations in the country’s capital, Accra.
Prior to his administration, the culture of celebrating Ghana’s independence on March 6 was always held at the Black Star (Independence) Square in Accra.
During his State of the Nation address on February 21, 2019, he declared that the 62nd National Independence Celebrations will be hosted in the Northern regional capital, Tamale specifically at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium and that is exactly what happened.
“In order to reinforce and support the process of reconciliation and the restoration of peace in Dagbon, I have decided that this year, the 62nd Independence Day celebration will be held in Tamale on 6th March. This will be the first time in our nation’s history that the celebration is being held outside of our national capital, Accra. I am very much looking forward to it,” he said.
The move recorded a boost in the local economy in the Northern region as well as put a spotlight on the rich and diverse culture of the region, which increased their prospects of tourism later that year.
Well, it is the turn of the country’s second most populated region, Ashanti. This time around, the parade will be held in the capital, Kumasi at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Several traders and small business owners have already started thronging the area with the early birds setting up their stands in strategic areas at the premises.
GhanaWeb’s interactions with some of them revealed that they travelled from as far as Tamale in the Northern region.
A visibly enthused dealer in smocks, woven hats and traditional slippers exclaimed that he was sure he will make great sales as people had already started patronizing his wares.
In what appears to becoming a ritual for him, he noted that he followed the breadcrumbs to the Ashanti region when he realized he made an awful lot of sales last year when the event was held at Tamale.
Other sights to behold include dealers in the country’s paraphernalia as well as NPP's.
The theme for the celebration is ‘Consolidating our Gain’ 63 years on, with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Keith Christopher Rowley as the special guest of honour.
