Accra, July 01, GNA - Thousands of holidaymakers on Friday thronged Accra's popular beaches to mark the Republic Day with parties and picnics. When the Ghana News Agency visited some beaches around midday, there were revellers drinking the time away, some taking a swim in the sea and others engaging in various fun games to the blaring of popular songs and Hip life music.

At the Dansoman Pleasure Beach, the teeming crowd seemed uncontrollable as it was not clear who was in charge of the action since entry was free to anyone who wished to pass the time off. It was, therefore, not surprising to see children, swimming in the sea in the absence of guards and security men, a situation that posed a grave danger to them.

At the Korle-Gono Beach, the organisation was better. The beach's security details were present to keep order and protect the holidaymakers. An official at the Resort told the GNA that swimming guards had been engaged to ensure safety at the beach, with areas demarcated for safe swimming.

The scene was a bit different at the La Pleasure Beach. It did not witness the usual huge crowd until about 1500 hours when people started filing in there, notwithstanding the 20 thousand cedis charged at the gate. In a matter of 20 minutes the queue there became long and meandering, while anxious holidaymakers patiently waited for their turn. There was heavy security detail on hand to prevent any chaotic scenes.

An official said various safety measures had been made to protect the lives of swimmers and to prevent accidents due to poor security and non-compliance of safety requirements. He explained that the presence of the Police at the beach was to maintain order, protect property and keep intruders at bay. Other holidaymakers were also enjoying themselves at the less developed sites at the eastern and western ends of the La beach. Most people who lived around the beach took the opportunity to make some money by selling edibles and drinks at inflated prices. However, most people who could not afford the gate fees at the more organized beaches had to make do with the Independence Square beach.