We are 51 today

Front Page: March 6, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
TODAY is independence day.
A week-long celebration of Ghana’s 51 years of independence reaches its climax today with a parade of schoolchildren and the security agencies at the Independence Square.
The activities planned for the day, expected to be brisk and picturesque, will be supported by a mass band comprising the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band, the Ghana Police Central Band, the Ghana Navy Band and the Ghana Air Force Band.
They will bring down the curtain on a week of celebrations which have included the hoisting of flags and display of buntings, a parade by veterans, Muslim and Christian prayers, an inter-school debate and the presentation of State awards.
In attendance will be President J.A. Kufuor, Vice-President Aliu Mahama, other high-profile politicians and statesmen, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Thousands of Ghanaians from all walks of life are expected to throng the Independence Square to witness the parade.
It will be the last for Mr Kufuor as the President of the Republic and he is expected to use the opportunity to highlight the landmarks of his eight-year presidency and concerns over the upcoming elections in December.
The President is also expected to throw more light on the gains his administration has made in various sectors of the economy and the prospects of the country’s emerging oil industry.
According to the programme for the day, members of the public who intend to be part of the ceremony are expected to be seated by 6:30 a.m., while the contingents march onto the grounds at 7:20 a.m.
The Parade Commander will take over the parade at 8:00 a.m., with Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps scheduled to arrive at 8:05 a.m.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Ministers of Education, Defence and the Interior, as well as the Chairman of the Council of State, will arrive between 8:15 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.
That will be followed by the arrival of the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament at 8:25 a.m., to be followed by the Vice-President and his wife at 8:27 a.m.
President Kufuor and the First Lady, Theresa, will arrive at 8:30 a.m. and they will be heralded by the National Anthem, the National Pledge, traditional, Muslim and Christian prayers.
Soon after that, President Kufuor, accompanied by the Ministers of Education, the Interior and Defence, the IGP and the CDS will inspect the parade and light the perpetual flame.
This will be followed by the trooping of bands, a march past of contingents, a cultural pageant by schoolchildren and drum appellation.
The President will then deliver the Independence Anniversary Address and present awards to Service Chiefs and Regimental Sergeant Majors.
Parades involving the security agencies and schoolchildren are expected to be held in all the regional and district capitals to commemorate the anniversary.