A large numbers of school children, the security personnel and the general public trooped to the Wa Naa Sidiki Bomi's park to mark the 51st

Ghana's Independence Day celebration in Wa which was characterised by awards presentations. The Upper West Regional Coordinating Country conferred honours on nine individual persons including Chris Alalbila of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for their immense contribution to the development of the region to mark the day.

In a speech read on behalf of President John Agyekum Kufuor, by the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. George Hikah Benson, President Kufuor's said government was committed to the conduct of peaceful and credible elections in the 2008 polls.

He however said, that responsible should not be left for the government alone and called on political parties and institutions mandated to carry out elections as well as the citizens of the country to play their roles properly to promote credible and peaceful elections. He said there were examples of peaceful, prosperous and beautiful countries that had quickly degenerated into anarchy because of a flawed electoral process.

President Kufuor pointed out that the crucial role of the Electoral Commission could not be underestimated in ensuring and securing a peaceful election for the country.

"The integrity of the electoral machinery and the personnel should not be in doubt". President Kufuor advised. He therefore called on the Commission to referee the electoral proceedings including registration, voting, counting and declaration of results with impartiality, neutrality and transparency to make the contesting parties and the electorate feel proud of the outcome, whether win or lose.