Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Tuesday called on Ghanaians to show more commitment towards building on the legacy bequeathed to them by their ancestors.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the end of the 55th Independence Anniversary parade in Accra, he said their forefathers toiled and fought for independence and worked at leaving behind something worthwhile for the future generation.

The celebration is on the theme "Sustaining Peace and Unity for Democracy and Development."

Mr Vanderpuije urged Ghanaians to work hard to safeguard and improve on the legacies, stressing it was the responsibility of the entire citizenry.

“We all need to create better schools, housing and work towards building better transport system, health-care delivery and housing,” he said.

Mr Vanderpuije’s remarks were on the same wavelength with President John Evans Atta Mills’ Independence Anniversary Address delivered at the parade.

He lauded the pioneers who toiled with their blood to ensure that the country's independence was realised.

President Mills paid homage to men and women, “both known and unknown,” who worked tirelessly and purposefully towards national development and pledged the commitment of his Government to sustain and improve on such feats.

He said the Independence Anniversary celebration would be meaningless unless it was linked with the commitment and the resolution to advance the country’s development.

The 55th Anniversary celebration saw some political functionaries belonging to the various parties present at the parade.

The citizenry together with other nationalities were not left out as they were spotted clad in the national colours.

They intermittently interrupted the thrill-filled atmosphere with their cheers and applauded as they waved elatedly at the school pupils, security agencies and other participants at the parade.