The much media hype purported boycott of by the opposition parties, National Democratic Congress, Convention People’s Party and the People’s National Convention, did not come off as expected by some critics.The Ghanaian Voice newspaper monitoring team at the Independence Square can confirm that most of the leading members of those parties participated fully in yesterday’s event.

The twice-defeated flagbearer of the NDC who has also been re-elected as the flag bearer of the party, John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was comfortably seated with his Kente amongst the invited guest. And with him were Mr. Asiedu Nketia, NDCs general secretary, Mr. Eddie Annan, the party’s chairman, Mr. Kwabena Adjei and Squadron leader Sowu.

Others were Danny Ofori Atta of the Egle Party, Minority Leader, Alban Gbagbin, Akua Sena Dansua and John Mahama. Some political pundits described the celebration as one of the best in the history of the country. Dr. K. B. Asante in an interview with the British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) added that the celebration was an august one. He indicated that the time had come for Ghanaians to prove to the world that Dr. Nkrumah’s statement that “the Blackman is capable of managing his own affairs” is a reality.