Takoradi, March 6, GNA - A parade of security agencies, school children and voluntary organisations to commemorate the country's 51st anniversary was on Thursday held at Takoradi. The contingents included the Second Battalion of Infantry, Takoradi Air Force Station, Western Naval Command, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Immigration Service, Custom, Excise and Preventive Service and the Prisons Service. The rest were cadet corps and contingents from second cycle schools, first cycle schools, voluntary organisations and physically challenged persons.

Ten organisations were honoured for their contribution towards the realization of programmes of the Western Regional Coordinating Council. They included Goldfields Ghana Limited, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Golden Star Resources, Ghana Rubber Estates Limited, Ghana Cement Works, Ghana National Maganese Company, Skyy Group of Companies, Prisons Ministry, Orphans Cry and Mercy Foundation. Awards were presented to the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District for being the best performing district in the 2007 Basic Education Certificate Examination in the region and to the Ghana Secondary Technical School for the best performance in the 2007 West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

Emmanuel Akita of Chapel Hill Preparatory School was presented with an award for having the best result in 2007 BECE followed by Francis Kofi Nuamah of Rabboni Redeemer Junior High School, Wassa Akropong and Lydia Toku of Tarkwa Goldfields Complex. Lydia Kofui Bra Bonnie of Archbishop Poter Girls Secondary School won the award for the best results in 2007 West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination with George Aposu of Saint John's School occupying the second position and Jonathan Amponsah of Ghana Secondary Technical School, the third position. Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, who was the reviewing officer, read the President's address. He advised students and pupils to use ICT to improve their knowledge to enable them to contribute effectively in national development instead of using it for immoral purposes that degrade humanity. Mr Amoah urged them to work hard and strive for excellence to enrich their personality, the nation and humanity. He spoke of the high professional standards of the security services in safeguarding peace to ensure development and ask the people to foster peace to provide the climate for orderly development. 06 March 08