Ghana is 60 years old today, March 6, 2017. President Nana Akufo-Addo will take the national salute, deliver a speech of solidarity and light the perpetual flame at the Black Star Square (Independence Square).

A similar event will take place across the country, formerly known as the Gold Coast, when it was under British Colonial rule.

Ghana was the first Sub-Saharan African country to gain independence after struggles led by its first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

As part of the celebrations, school children and personnel of the security agencies will march at a colourful event at the Square in the presence of special guests – Presidents Robert Mugabe and Faure Gnassingbé of Zimbabwe and Togo respectively.

Twelve other heads of state and their representatives will grace the occasion. The celebration is under the theme: “Mobilising for Ghana’s future.”

Ahead of today’s event, President Akufo-Addo inaugurated the Presidential Museum, a legacy project to celebrate Ghana’s icons and national heroes. Some school children were also rewarded with scholarships at the Banquet Hall of the State House.

Boxing legend Azumah Nelson is expected to receive the Ghana 60 years on torch from President Akufo-Addo and will tour the country with it to rally support for the event.

Road Close

Some major roads in the national capital, Accra, will be closed to traffic on Independence Day, 6 March, the Ghana Police Service has announced, as part of preparations for the 60th Independence Day Anniversary parade at the Black Stars Square.

The following roads will be closed:

28th February Road from the CEPS Headquarters to Castle Road Junction

Osu Cemetery Traffic Light on the Lokko Street

Castle Road from AU Circle to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light

Starlet 95 Road will be closed at the Ministries Traffic Light Intersection

Traffic Diversions

Traffic from the 28th February Road emanating from La, Labone, and Osu heading towards the Central Business District will be diverted unto the Salem Avenue at the Castle Traffic Light to link up with the Oxford Street.

Traffic from John Evans Atta Mills High Street towards Black Star Square shall be diverted unto the Liberia Road at the CEPS Headquarters traffic light towards the National Theatre Traffic Lights Intersection.

Motorists from Lokko Street towards the Castle Road should use Ajumaku Street and Oxford Street.

Traffic from AU Circle towards the Castle Road through Osu Cemetery Traffic Light shall be diverted unto the Abdul Diouf and King Hassan Roads to link with Gamal Abdul Nasser Road in front of Ghana Institute of Journalism.

Vehicles embossed with stickers of the national flag such as Red, Gold and Green will be allowed to park at the Black Star Square arena.

Car parks

The forecourt of the State House

The International Conference Centre

Access Bank car park

The Osu Cemetery car park

The Accra Sports Stadium car park

The Ministries area