By Lawrencia Akoto Frempong
Ashaiman, March 07, GNA- The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (AshMA) has joined the rest of the nation to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Day with a parade held at the forecourt of the assembly.
The celebration which was held on the national theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” saw 425 pupils and students drawn from 17 public and private schools, as well as 81 officers and teachers from the Municipal Education Directorate and schools in Ashaiman, participating.
Ms Gloria Kwakuyi, the Ashaiman Municipal Director of Education, said the celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the nation’s forebears whose struggles led to Ghana’s independence.
She noted that 69 years ago the sacrifices of dedicated men and women who served the nation with honour, pride and commitment resulted in the peace, unity and democratic governance the country was enjoying today.
Ms Kwakuyi said achieving the aspirations of building prosperity and restoring hope required collective effort from all citizens.
She therefore urged residents to harness their collective energy to promote economic growth and improve the lives of people within the municipality, adding that the annual parade served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Ghana’s forefathers in securing the country’s independence.
Ms Kwakuyi encouraged Ghanaians to reflect soberly on the legacy left by the nation’s founders and continue to uphold the values they fought to achieve.
Mr Freeman Tsekpo, Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the celebration was not only to mark a historic event but also to recommit citizens to the ideals of freedom and national development.
He said the theme of the celebration called on citizens to transform the municipality’s potential into meaningful development, adding that prosperity in Ashaiman went beyond wealth creation and included job opportunities, vibrant markets and improved living conditions for families.
He said the assembly was strengthening revenue mobilisation through its finance and administration structures to ensure that funds were available for development projects such as roads, schools and sanitation.
Mr Tsekpo added that the assembly was implementing initiatives to improve sanitation in some communities within the municipality, stating that although the municipality faced economic and urban challenges, unity and collective action would help address them.
Mr Tsekpo urged residents to remain disciplined, reject complacency and embrace accountability in order to build a better future for the municipality.
Miss Gifty Oppong Quayson, a student at Celestials International STEM School, who delivered a message on behalf of the children of Ashaiman, expressed appreciation to the nation’s forebears for their sacrifices.
She said the younger generation would honour their legacy by contributing to building a prosperous, peaceful and united Ghana.
Miss Quayson called for government support for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and heritage conservation to promote national development.
She also urged stakeholders to preserve and promote Ghanaian languages, traditions, music and culture globally to attract investors and tourists.
Miss Quayson said the children of Ashaiman envisioned a Ghana where every citizen was safe, educated and healthy, pledging that young people would remain disciplined and law-abiding to contribute to the country’s development.
At the end of the parade, nine schools were presented with awards for their impressive and creative performances during the march past.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/George-Ramsey Benamba