Tema, March 6, GNA - A total of 1,320 school children from 22 basic and second cycle schools in the Tema Metropolis, on Saturday, participated in a parade in commemoration of Ghana's 53rd Independence Anniversary. Out of the 22 participating schools, nine were from public and private Senior High Schools, while 13 public and private Junior High Schools participated.

The State School for the Deaf and the Star Basic School performed cultural dances, while Datus Complex School did the gymnastics display. Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, read the Anniversary speech on behalf of the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

He said, the theme for the Anniversary, "Investing In the Youth For A Better Ghana," reflected the renewal of government's pledge to work with the Youth.

Mr Ofosuware stated that the nation needed the energy, dynamism, creativity and dreams of the youth for the development of all the sectors of the country. He urged them to take their studies seriously so that they could aspire to greater heights, in order to help the nation achieve its vision. "But even as we celebrate, we must not advise the Youth of Ghana to become complacent, but to keep on striving towards achieving excellence," he added.

Mr Kwesi Hutchful, Tema Metropolitan Education Director, in a welcome address, entreated leaders of the country, to inculcate the vision of Dr Kwame Nkrumah into the youth.

Mr Hutchful said the youth would be in a better position to appreciate the sacrifices of their forefathers when they understood the principles underlining Ghana's attainment of independence. He urged the students to persevere in all aspects of their lives, to enable them grow into responsible adults.

At the end of the march past, Kpone Methodist 'B' JHS, Robert Memorial School and Sakumono Complex JHS, were adjudged the first, second and third winners respectively, in the JHS category. Tema Technical Institute, Datus Complex SHS and Tema SHS won the first, second and third positions respectively for the SHS category. Each of the winning schools was given a plaque and a certificate. 06 March 10