President John Agyekum Kufuor has stated that the government was committed to the conduct of peaceful and credible elections. But, this he said, cannot be the sole responsibility of government, "all of us as parties and citizens, must also demonstrate responsibility".

President Kufuor said this in an address read on his behalf at a parade of about 1,000 school children from 25 basic schools, teachers in the Kodie Circuit and voluntary organizations to mark the 51st Independence Anniversary celebration at Kodie, the capital of the newly created Afigya-Kwabre district on Thursday.

The parade organized by the Kodie circuit of the Ghana Education Service (GES) was reviewed by Nana Mensah Edward Kwabena, an Assistant Director of Education and Police Inspector Bismark Yeboah, in-charge of Kodie Police Station.

The President emphasized that the crucial role of the Electoral Commission cannot be underestimated stressing that there were examples of peaceful, prosperous and beautiful countries that had degenerated into anarchy because of a flawed electoral process He re-echoed his resolve to hand over to his successor a united and peaceful country as he took over from President John Jerry Rawlings and appealed to all Ghanaians to play their respective roles, individually and collectively and demonstrate fortitude, loyalty and unwavering devotion in service to the nation.

President Kufuor called on the youth, especially school children to be imbued with fellow feeling and to be each other's keeper. Nana Mensah, who is also the Circuit Supervisor and Abontendomhene of Adwumakaase Kese appealed to teachers and parents to commit themselves to the new education reforms. He suggested annual rotation of public parades and ceremonies in the circuit so that each community and school would have the full feeling of the anniversary.

On the march past, Ntiribuoho Junior High School (JHS) was adjudged the best school, followed by Afrancho "A" JHS with Triumph International School at Mowire, placing third. At the Primary Level, Akrowa Primary School took the first position with Sasa Primary School coming second and Marthin Luther International School taking the third place. They were all presented with certificates.