Ghana has joyously commemorated its 67^th Independence Anniversary at the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre, Eastern Region, on Wednesday 6 March, 2024 under the theme “Our Democracy, Our Pride”.

The ceremony, first of its kind in the region, brought together some selected Basic and Second Cycle Institutions, Ghanaians, members of the Diplomatic Corps, rulers from the 11 paramountcies of the Eastern Region and Ghanaians from the diaspora to commemorate the historic journey of freedom and self-determination.

It was a grandeur characterized by military dexterity, precision, resilience as well as Artillery fire power in the 21-gun salute and a display of what defines the country as a secular state including the rich diverse culture and inclusivity with a spectacular display of the equipment used by the respective security agencies in the discharge of their mandate.

The President and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, commended Officers and Soldiers of GAF and other security services who put their lives on the line to safeguard the peace and security of the country. He also eulogized the military, sister security services, institutions and various cultural groups for the splendid performance in making the ceremony a memorable one.

C-in-C also paid homage to the forbearers who protected the lands and initiated the first phase of the struggle for independence which was to the best of the country’s democracy and the peace Ghana enjoys today.

He further expressed his appreciation to President Alassane Ouattara for honouring his invitation. “Ghana is your homeland and the relationship between both countries is as it should be. We share common boundary, common history and a common culture, including a common language together where we both say Akwaaba”. He added.

On parade were sixty-eight (68) Officers, one thousand and forty-two (1042) men and women drawn from GAF, sister security services, the Band, Basic and Second cycle schools.

 He was emphatic that good things were happening in the country, adding Ghana has been stable in the 4^th Republic and improved in its elections, hence, entreated all to be proud of the liberal democratic path the country had chosen.

The President admonished all to help protect the country’s natural resources. “I stay firm in my conviction that extracting the minerals we have been blessed with should not lead to the distraction of the rivers and forest cover. We should all dedicate ourselves to taking care of Ghana”. He added.

The Special Guest for the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Cote D’ivoire, HE Alassane Ouattara expressed his appreciation for the honour bestowed on him for such important ceremony in the history of the country.

He applauded the government and all Ghanaians for the numerous achievements chalked since independence, stressing that Ghana was indeed the beacon of hope for Africa. He as well thanked Ghanaians for their support in contributing to the development of Cote D’ivoire and called for the strengthening of the bilateral ties between both countries.