General News of Tuesday, 1 July 2003

Source: gna

National Colours on display to mark Republic Day

The Accra Metropolitan Authorities are adorning the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and other public places within the city with the national colours to commemorate Ghana's 43rd Republic Day that falls on Tuesday.

Members of a taskforce of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) were sighted on Monday morning hoisting flags at the Circle, whitewashing the kerbs and clearing weeds at the open spaces.

However, the Fountain in the Circle that comes alive of festive occasions had not yet been activated at the time the Ghana News Agency visited.

Ghana became the pride of Africa for being the first to gain its independence from Colonial rule on the continent the South of the Sahara on March 6, 1957 under the Pan-Africanist Leader, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The West African Country consolidated her independence by becoming a Republican State on July 1, 1960 thus attaining full sovereignty by weaning herself off the British Monarchy that was exercising a ceremonial role as Head Of State of Ghana. She, however, remained a member of the Commonwealth.

Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings Administration added a new dimension to the celebrations when he made it a day to honour 'Senior Citizens' for their meritorious service to the State.

A random sampling of views by the Ghana News Agency revealed that most revellers enjoy the day without knowing its significance.