Bawku (U/E), March 6, GNA - A march past to commemorate Ghana 50th Independence anniversary was held at the Bawku Senior Secondary School Park with a smart turnout by pupils, students, security services, civil society organizations and professional bodies as well as artisans. The Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Director of Education and the Divisional Police Commander took the salute that took over five hours under a scorching post-harmattan sun.

The parade was witnessed by thousands of people including traditional leaders, functionaries of the various political parties, opinion leaders, teachers and some heads of departments in the municipality.

Also in attendance were delegations from Zorgho in Burkina Faso and Cinkansse in Togo led by their mayors.

Though the venue was shifted from the forecourt of the Community Centre, the people braced all odds to walk a distance of 3 kilometres to be part of the anniversary celebrations.

The occasion was also used to honour 18 hard-working teachers and non-teaching staff in basic and second cycle institutions. The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Abdul-Rahman Gumah, read the President's message and paid tribute to the leaders of the struggle for independence.

He said the nation's independence proved to be the critical turning point in the struggle for independence on the African continent as sister countries depended on it for inspiration and material support. At Garu-Tempane District parade took place at the Presbyterian School Park at Garu with a large turnout of people despite the day coinciding with the market day.

The place was filled with the national flag, the anniversary "T"-shirts and cloth.

Neatly dressed school pupils and students marched past a podium where the Chief Executive, District Police Commander and Education Director took the salute. 07 March 07