Ghana will today mark 63 years of independence from British colonial rule with a national commemoration to be held in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi.
This is the second time such an event is being held outside Accra after Tamale hosted the event in 2019.
Various activities are also expected to run concurrently in all Regional and District capitals across the country.
The National parade which will be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on the theme; Consolidating Our Gains, will be graced by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II among others.
Our Ashanti Regional Correspondent Hafiz Tijani reported that the stadium has been refurbished with key landmarks within the Kumasi metropolis draped in national colours.
The Planning Committee Chairman, Lord Commey, also told Citi News that this is in fulfilment of the President’s promise.
“President His Excellency has directed that as per the promise he made to the people of Ghana, the Independence Day celebration will not only be held in Accra. So we went to Tamale last year and we are in Kumasi on Friday. So all is set”
Some residents in the Kumasi metropolis say they are excited about the decision to choose the city to host the parade this year.
Food vendors are also taking advantage of the event to cash in.
One of them, Gladys Owusu said “The market has been good by God’s grace and everything is moving on well. This is even the period for rehearsal and the market is okay. We expect greater sales on the day of the parade.”
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has temporarily closed some public roads in the region.
Atmosphere
The 43,000 seating capacity Baba Yara Sports Stadium is filled to the capacity.
The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ,Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and a host of other dignitaries, as well as members of the general public have gathered in Kumasi to mark Ghana’s 63rd Independence Day.
The colorful local Ghanaian Kente wear and T-shirts with inscription of the 63rd Independence Day have dominated the outfits by most attendees.