Seven officers, 165 men of the Security Services and 40 contingents of schools and voluntary organisations were on parade at the Ho Sports Stadium on Thursday to mark the 46th Independence Anniversary being celebrated under the theme: "Peace and Unity-Prerequisite for National Development".

The parade, held in a sweltering mid-morning, was under the command of Major Nicholas Kporku of the 66th Artillery Regiment based in Ho.

Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister, reading the President's address to the large crowd of people, exhorted Ghanaians to work hard in unity towards the attainment of the dreams of the founders of the nation.

President Kufuor said though ambitious, the country's aspirations to attain the middle level income status could be achieved with determination, hard work, and commitment to peaceful co-existence.

Mawuli School, Ho, came first in the Senior Secondary School division of the march past, followed by Mawuko Girls Secondary with the Nurses Training College, coming third.

In the Junior Secondary School (JSS) Division, Ho Housing JSS was first, followed by SSNIT Flats JSS with the Ho Bankoe Central JSS taking the third position.

Ho Housing Primary topped their division followed by Kabore Primary with Sonrise rpt Sonrise Primary being third.

There would be a friendly football match between the Police and Teachers later in the day as part of the activities to mark the day.

The 66 Artillery Regiment would on Friday March 7 hold an open day to allow the public to have an insight into the operations of the regiment and also take a cruise in a helicopter around Ho.