Nkawkaw (E/R), March 6, GNA - Twenty two out of 42 selected basic and second cycle schools took part in the 54th Independence Anniversary Parade of school children at Nkawkaw in the Kwahu West Municipality. This is attributed to the strike action by public school teachers in the municipality.

The celebration is on the theme: 93Discipline and Hard work, Essentia= l Pre-requisite for Better Ghana." Addressing the school children, Mr Alex Somuah-Obeng, Municipal Chief Executive, said the unruffled atmosphere that existed and the economic stability prevailing in the country could be attributed to the untiring efforts of all Ghanaians. He said the economic indicators showed that a solid foundation had bee= n laid for the country's economic transformation and urged Ghanaians to be tolerant, disciplined and hardworking to translate those gains into tangibles to improve the living standards of the people. Mr Obeng said at this stage of the country's development, the nation= 's leaders, be it political, religious or traditional, must strive on things that would unite the people rather than those that would divide them. He said the government was ever prepared to accept constructive criticism and alternative policy advice irrespective of where they came fro= m to enhance development.

The Municipal Chief Executive commended teachers for building the huma= n resource needed for the socio-economic development of the country. He gave the assurance that all the grievances of teachers in respect o= f the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure would be addressed to their satisfaction. Similar parades were held at Mpraeso and Abetifi in the Kwahu South an= d East Districts respectively. Schools that excelled at the parade were presented with certificates and rubber containers to store water.