67th Independence Anniversary Parade-Ningo Prampram District.

The Ningo-Prampram District commemorated Ghana’s Independence with a March Past at St. Joseph Anglican School Park. The contingents performed outstandingly. However, Prampram D/A Basic School “A” was adjudged the top performer in the Basic School March Past category. They were closely followed by the Prampram SDA Basic School and Abbey D/A Basic School for the second and third positions respectively. In the Senior High School category, Prampram Senior High Technical School immerged the winners whiles the Ningo Senior High Technical School and Prampram Technical Institute secured the second and third positions.

The parade constituted of twenty-eight (28) contingents from various schools in the District; including Basic, Junior, Senior Secondary Schools, and the Cadet Corps. The event is commemorated in honour of Ghana’s attainment of true independence on March 6, 1957. This significant event marks the day when freedom was truly obtained from oppression and colonial rule.

The theme of this years’ commemoration was “Our Democracy, Our Pride.”

Addressing the parade, on the timeliness of the theme, the District Chief Executive, (DCE), Hon Al-Latiff Tetteh Amanor, highlighted the importance of democracy as the cornerstone of governance to ensure the exercise of fundamental human rights and social justice. He underscored the need to uphold Ghana’s motto of “Freedom and Justice” and the governing party’s motto of “Development in Freedom.” Hon Al-Latiff Tetteh Amanor, emphasized the theme’s relevance in an election year, urging against violent behaviors that could undermine the country’s peacefulness and democratic achievements. He called on the security forces to remain vigilant in dealing with potential threats promptly.

TSpeaking on development, he highlighted a few things that democracy under the leadership of the current government was able to accomplish for the good people of Ningo and Prampram Traditional Areas. He made reference to the One District One Factory initiative, the B5 plus steel manufacturing company, Pharmanova (Atlantic Life Sciences), LEEFOUND tomato factory, and Omnifet Limited as industries that were constructed for economic development and are in operation in the District.

Additionally, he noted the construction of classroom infrastructure, expansion of existing markets and other related facilities, drainage systems as well as the construction of a sea defense wall to prevent the adverse effects of the sea on communities along the District’s coast. He equally mentioned that the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly now operated from its own office complex and the ongoing construction of the Agenda 111 Hospital complex, scheduled to be handed over for use before November this year; among other important achievements witnessed by the district.

He expressed his profound gratitude to the Education Directorate, school heads, students, security agencies, Health teams, and the National ambulance service for their contributions to the success of the anniversary parade.

The District Director of Education, Mr. Noble Amenyawu, took turn to address the parade. He expressed his appreciation to his predecessors for the firm educational foundation laid in the District. He noted steady progress in the performance of learners in both Basic and Secondary Schools in the District. Basic school performance improved from 57.5% in 2022 to 62.5% in the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Similarly, Secondary School performance, especially at Prampram Senior High Technical School, improved from 44.5% to 50.6% and 57.6% for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

He was excited to join the family of Ningo-Prampram District to contribute to changing the status quo of education in the District and Ghana at large. Mr. Amenyawu acknowledged the crucial role education plays in shaping the destiny of people and empowering individuals to break the shackles of ignorance, providing opportunities for growth and development.

He emphasized that education is key to building a strong, prosperous, and inclusive nation. Furthermore, he indicated that through education, the immense potential of youth can be unlocked and equip them with skills and knowledge necessary for fulfilling lives. He urged for the fostering of an enabling environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Based on this, he admonished all stakeholders, especially the District Assembly, to invest more in education, stressing that attending school and receiving the best possible education is a shared responsibility.

He called for the need for adequate infrastructure, such as classroom blocks, dormitories, staff bungalows, and sanitation facilities, to improve access to quality education in the District. He highlighted the dire need for adequate office space and resources for the District Education Office to fulfill its mandate. He encouraged parents not to solely rely on the government but to also contribute to the care of young ones. Mr. Amenyawu urged learners to also take their academics and talents seriously to become successful individuals in the near future.

Given the dynamism of the economy, Mr. Amenyawu stressed the need for the educational system to adapt to the demands of the 21st century, equipping students with skills relevant in today’s globalized economy. He urged the working towards a district and a nation where, education is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all; inspiring students to dream big and unlock their potential to become tomorrow’s leaders.

The chairperson for the 67th Independence Day celebration, Mr. Prince Adotey Allotey, in his address, lauded our forefathers for working tirelessly for our liberation. He urged us to reaffirm our commitment to uphold the values of democracy, equality, and social development that our forefathers fought so hard to achieve. He further emphasized that we should honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by working tirelessly for the betterment of the nation and the next generation to come. Additionally, he expressed his profound appreciation to all those who contributed to making the 67th Independence Day celebration a success. The parade commander for the 67th Independence Day celebration in the Ningo-Prampram District is Cadet Officer Evans Martey.

ISD