...Heads wangle national anthem

...Lone party flag flutters

There was a near disaster at the Ho Sports Stadium as 90% of the Heads of Department and Service Commanders on dais were found muffling when the master of ceremony announced the recital of the National Pledge.

So embarrassing was the situation that the MC, Lt Afrifa of the Medium Mortar Regiment had to arrest the issue by reciting the pledge all by himself loudly through the public address system provided by the Information Services Department.

The occasion was the parade of security services and school children to mark the country's 45th Independence Anniversary at Ho. Unlike last year when NPP colours were totally absent from the celebration, a lone NPP flag this time stood hoisted along-side the National Flag and those of the security services.

In attendance were six contingents, two from the Military and one each from the Police, Prisons, Fire Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) with 12 officers and 180 smartly dressed men and women drawn from other ranks.

The Parade Commander was Captain John Kpeglo of the Mortar Regiment with the Regional Minister, Hon. Kwesi Owusu-Yeboa, as the reviewing officer who also read the Vice-President's address.

The Vice-President declared the year 2002 as a year of action and results and expressed the governments determination to make a difference in the lives of the people.

He also pledged his preparedness to be fully involved in the crusade against indiscipline in the Ghanaian society.

Other attractions were cultural dances among a magnificent gymnastic display by the Sokode-Gbogame JSS and Mawuli School and JSS respectively.