The national celebrations planning committee has released activities to mark the 49th anniversary of Ghana?s Independence.

A statement signed by the acting director of the Information Services Department, Mr D.A. Kwapong, said the celebrations, on the theme; ?Developing and retaining quality human resource base: Key for accelerated national development,? would begin with the hoisting of flags and display of buntings in all regional and district capitals today, Friday, February 24, 2006.

That will be followed by a Veterans Day Parade at the Cenotaph on the 28th February Road, Osu, on Tuesday, February 28, 2006.

The statement said on Thursday, March 2, the finals of the Independence anniversary schools debate between St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, Wa and St Peters Secondary School, Nkwatia, would take place at the Teachers? Hall in Accra.

It said on Friday, March 3, there would be Muslim prayers through out the country and on the following Saturday and Sunday Christians would take their turn to offer national prayers.

According to the statement, on Saturday, March 4, President Kufuor would present his Independence Day Awards to deserving students from the 10 regions of the country at a ceremony at the open court of the State House. It said at the same function, the Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, would present prizes to winners of the Independence Day anniversary schools debate competition.

The statement said the highlight of the celebration would be a colourful parade of security services and school-children at the Independence Square in Accra, on Monday, March 6.

It said the celebration would officially end on Tuesday, March 7, with a military open day in all garrisons for the general public.