March 6th, is a historic day for Ghana.

Ghanaians celebrate this day in grand style because it marks the end of British colonial rule. Thus, it is referred to as Independence Day.

Over the years, the day has been commemorated with a national parade at the Independence Square in Accra. However, the 62nd anniversary parade was held in Tamale, capital of the Northern region. The event was held under the theme “Celebrating Peace and Unity”.

As is usual with such occasions, patrons engaged in all manner of activities that made their hands dirty. Equipment and logistics were lifted, people wiped their sweat, shook hands with friends and used the washrooms.

Unilever Ghana, through its Lifebuoy brand believes that a peaceful nation needs a healthy people to work towards social and economic development.

Indeed, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. For this reason, the occasion was used as part of Lifebuoy's Social Mission to create awareness and educate Ghanaians about the importance of washing hands with soap under running water - before breakfast, lunch, dinner, after using the toilet and during daily baths.

The importance of handwashing with soap under running water lies in the fact that it is an inexpensive way of preventing the spread of germs and infections from one person to another.

Through this simple healthy practice, diseases such as cholera, influenza and respiratory infections can be prevented.

Unilever as a business believes in prioritizing the consumer in all that we do. Therefore, in solidarity with the people of Ghana on this historic day, the Lifebuoy team mounted handwashing stations at vantage points within the Aliu Mahama sports stadium where the event took place.

Over 10,000 people got the opportunity to wash their hands after engaging in any activity that got their hands dirty. This was to prevent them from contaminating any food item which they consumed. They were not just offered soap to wash their hands under running water.

The proper way of washing hands was demonstrated and samples of Lifebuoy soap was shared to enable them continue what they had learnt by making handwashing with soap under running water a habit.

Through this gesture, Lifebuoy, which is the world’s number one selling antibacterial soap is promoting proper hygiene habits among Ghanaians.

Undoubtedly Lifebuoy is not relenting on the gains made over the years with regard to educating Ghanaians about proper handwashing. Going forward, more resources have been committed to the High5 for handwashing campaign. The “School of 5” programme, which helps inculcate the habit of handwashing with soap under running water in school children is ongoing.