President John Kufuor has directed that Independence Day should be celebrated as the single most important event on the national calendar.

A statement from the office of the Chief of Staff on Thursday explained that it is one day that most reconciles and unifies the nation.

It said the President has therefore directed that beginning this year, the event will be observed as one of prayer, thanksgiving, reconciliation and unity.

"To highlight this, there will be Muslim prayers on the Friday preceding Independence Day and a non-denominational Christian service on the Sunday, preceding Independence Day," the statement added. Both events will be held at the Independence Square.

The statement said the celebrations will begin on February 28, the anniversary of the 1948 Crossroads shooting with Veterans' parades in all regions and end on March 6, with the Independence Day parade at the Independence Square.

The statement said the President also directed that the security services will play a more active role in the celebrations, especially during the parade with the massed bands of the Armed Forces in attendance to create a joyous atmosphere.