The 30th Anniversary of the31st December Revolution was on Saturday commemorated at the Revolutionary Square near the Flagstaff House with a wreath laying ceremony.

The event, which was attended by former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, was also marked with a parade by cadres of the revolution.

Revolutionary organs, which mounted the parade, included the Committee for Defence of the Revolution, the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM), The Democratic Youth League of Ghana and the Nationalist Forum.

Other dignitaries and National Democratic Congress (NDC) bigwigs who also attended the ceremony include Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo, Colonel Gbevlo Lartey, National Security Coordinator, Mr Martin Amidu, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Ms Sherry Ayitey, Minister of Environment and Science.

The rest are Mr Paul Victor Obeng, Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Mr Nuamah Donkor, former Minister of Health, Mr Kofi Totobi Kwakye, former National Security Co-ordinator, and Ms Ama Benyiwa Doe, Central Regional Minister.

Others are Dr Kwabena Adjei, National Chairman of the NDC, Dr Don Arthur, special Adviser at the Presidency and Dr Ayerebi Acquah, former Minister in the Rawlings Administration.

At about 0630 hours, a route march by cadres commenced from the El- Wak Sports Stadium through the 37 Military Hospital to the Revolutionary Square.

At exactly 0800 hours former President Rawlings was welcomed to Revolution Square with cheers from the crown, and he exchanged pleasantries with the dignities after which he took his stand in front of the military cenotaph.

The Osu Wulomo, Numoo Agbeti, poured libation, followed by a Muslim prayer by Alhahji Mohammed Tchafaram and a Christian prayer by Reverend K. Asare Obeng.

The Ghana Dance Ensemble was called upon to perform “the Atentenben and Osabarima music” to suit the solemn occasion.

Four wreaths were laid in remembrance of the fallen heroes of the 31st December Revolution.

Dr Norgbe, a cadre and a lecturer at the University of Ghana, laid the first wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana, while the second wreath was laid by Naval Captain Asubonteng (Rtd) on behalf of the security forces.

The third wreath was laid by Madam Rebecca Quashie, a member of the 31st DWM, on behalf of the Cadres corps whiles Nii Dodoo Nsaki II, Otublohun Mantse, laid the fourth wreath on behalf of the traditional rulers in Ghana.

The last activity to commemorate the occasion was performed by the cadre’s band on parade after a minute’s silence was observed for the departed souls of the revolution.

At round 0850 hours former President Rawlings, who was assisted by some school children, finally lighted the perpetual flame, which was hailed with spontaneous cheers from the crowd amidst the sounds of the fontonfron drums.

Mr Emmanuel Larbi, the Parade Commander for the Cadres, who displayed a lot of agility at the event, gave the usually three laud yells which was repeated by the rest of the contingent to boost the morale of the group.