Memories of Independence Day Celebrations in Ghana

After having attained her independence on 6th March 1957, every citizen and even neighboring countries shared in the joy when the country's freedom was declared by the Late Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Independence was a long awaited moment then but now that we live in the post-independence regime, what memories can we share about this honorable day?

From our young age, independence day celebration has been a very special day in the life of every individual and as it is celebrated every, no one gets tired because the experiences from the celebration are enormous and wonderful. Before every Independence Day Celebration comes off, there are diverse activities of preparation that precede the celebration by all manner of people and organizations.

Every school in Ghana prepares specially towards this day and I mean rigorous rehearsals for performances like singing, dancing, marching and a whole lot of interesting stuffs. These were the moments we were taught how to march correctly and one of the things I remember is that when marching, you stretch your hand forward at an angle of 90degrees and backwards at an angle of about 45degrees. On the day of celebrating independence day, the celebration takes place in every region where celebrating centres are which are mostly schools and large arenas and the grand national celebration takes place in the capital of the country Accra mostly at the Independence Square. With some of the independence day celebrations, the grand national celebration was moved to other  regions which was a great experience for the country at large and this trend is still on going to unite all regions and promote the growth of the country.

From my end, as school pupils then we prepare vigorously as we anticipate the day which is 6th March as we itch for the marching. One thing we love is that the day of celebration is always a holiday and the day after celebration too is a national holiday.

How students love holidays?

The comes and we report very early to the celebration centre neatly dressed with our able teachers always with us to control us and make sure we form our queues properly and stay organized. Brass bands are invited, school cadets present themselves for displays, delegates from nearby security services especially the police always present to ensure the safety of everyone. Prayers are offered first before the activities begin and some addresses are given by the guests and before the deal of the day is rolled out into action. We marched so passionately to glory in the independence fought for us and we take it not lightly at all. What crowns up the whole celebration is the series of historic activities we are priviledged to watch on tv which transpires at the national where the President of the Republic of Ghana and presidents of other nations are also present with many other special guests and visitors. Tourists are not an exception at all. 

The displays by our security services especially the air force, army are just mind-blowing creations. Watching the procession and convoy that leads the president and other guests to the grounds of the celebration is also another fascinating moment to keep as a memory. 

It is during periods like this that so many products like bags, books, pens, pencils, etc have independence day celebrations identitites and a lot of businesses like this thrive and people undeniably enjoy the moment. I can't forget the cultural displays like dressing, singing, dancing, drama, poetry and many other special personalities of the country are painted as artworks and sold to people as all these help to keep memories of what has been fought for for the country.