Mamponteng (Ash), March 6, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday paid homage to teachers in all institutions in the country for their immense contribution to national development.

He pointed out that the government was determined not to show its appreciation merely by words, but also by progressively working to improve the welfare of teachers.

This was contained in a speech read on his behalf by Alhaji Ahmed Akwasi Yeboah, Kwabre District Chief Executive at the 47th Independence Anniversary celebration parade by school children and voluntary organisations at Mamponteng in the Kwabre District.

President Kufuor expressed the urgent need for security personnel to inculcate the discipline and the dedication required to succeed in their professional lives to other members of the public to enable them to overcome the HIV/AIDS threat and other professional problems. "The same goes to school children, the future is yours, do not jeopardise it by taking chances with your lives. Lead clean and disciplined lives and make yourselves worthy citizens of this beautiful land of Ghana", he said.

At Tepa Ashanti, a parade of school children, students, artisans, market women and other voluntary organisations marked Ghana's 47th Independence Anniversary celebration in the Ahafo-Ano North District on Saturday.

Mr Akwasi Adu-Poku, the District Chief Executive, read President J.A. Kufuor's address.

He advised school children to lead clean and disciplined lives to make them worthy leaders in the future. Prizes were awarded to schools that performed creditably at the parade.