Accra, March 6, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday reviewed his second Independence Day Anniversary Parade since he became Head of State, and inspired hope among the youth, who took over the role traditionally played by the Security Services for the occasion.

Cadet corps of selected schools, students and pupils of senior and junior high schools and voluntary organisations mounted the anniversary parade. President Mills arrived at 0825 hours at the Independence Square, five minutes earlier than the scheduled 0830 hours, where thousands, including Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, his wife Theresa, and Former Vice President Aliu Mahama had gathered to witness the parade, which was carried live by a number of radio and television stations for the over 22 million Ghanaians.

He waved to the cheering crowd as he was being escorted by the Mounted Constabulary of the Ghana Police Service to the presidential dais. A mass band formed by pupils from selected schools in Accra struck the national anthem for the national salute to be taken. President Mills then inspected the parade in the company of Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education.

President Mills, with the assistance of Master Frank Adu-Poku, Ghana's best student at the 2009 West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, lit the perpetual flame, which symbolised the continuous glow of the spirit of nationalism.

Just as the perpetual flame was lit there was a flypast of three Ghana Air Force planes; while 21 gun-salutes boomed. This was followed by gymnastic and cultural displays by pupils and students before President Mills took the salute for the march past. There was a rendition of drum appellation that invited President Mills to deliver his speech.

The whole exercise worked perfectly like clockwork that President Mills could not hide his admiration and said: "I must admit that I have enjoyed the wonderful turnout, the gymnastics, the cultural display and the dexterity with which the youthful band has rolled out very wonderful tunes." President Mills gave assurance to the youth that the Government was committed to investing in them to build a critical mass to sustain the nation's development agenda and move it to higher heights.

The 53rd Independence Day anniversary, which was dedicated to the youth, was on the theme: "Investing in the Youth for a Better Ghana". President Mills said: "Together, the young and old and at all times, let the love for Mother Ghana override all other interests." 6 March 10