Known for being the venue for sporting events and venue to some musical concert of performing arts brands, the Aliu Mahama stadium widely known among Ghanaians as the Tamale Stadium played a significant role in hosting Ghana’s 62nd Independence anniversary celebration.
Ghana celebrated her 62nd independence anniversary on 6th March, 2019; having obtain independence from the British Colonial rule on 6th March, 1957. The landmark ceremony was officially celebrated for the first time in the Northern regional capital, Tamale and was themed ”Peace and Unity”.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivering The State Of The Nations Address on the floor parliament on Thursday, 21st February, 2019, revealed that, the Northern Regional capital, Tamale will play a host to Ghana’s 62nd independence anniversary celebration, with the decision aimed at reinforcing peace, unity amongst Ghanaian and also elevate the Ghanaian culture as a way of improving tourism.
Representing were thousands of ordinary Ghanaians and well-wishers who filled the Tamale Sports Stadium to the brim, as well as distinguish guest from various countries across the globe.
Among the dignitaries to patronized the occasion were, the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; his wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, Former Commander-In-Chiefs of the Ghana Armed forces; Jerry John Rawlings and John Dramani Mahama, the Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe’ the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Michael Aaron Oquare, the Chief Justice, Mrs. Sophia Akuffo, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei Opare.
Notable community heads, traditional and religious leaders, including Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II; the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, and the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa led a prayer of intercessory on behalf of Ghanaians, as they requested for sustainable economy, continuous peace nd progress for the nation.
Characterizing the celebrations of the occasion, were parades by Students, Security Personnel including the Police, Army, Navy, Immigrations, Prisons Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA) and other groups including Head potters, Traders, Farmers, and several interesting cultural and acrobatic display from different tribes and ethnic groups.
Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , with the help of the Chief of the Defense Staff(CDS), Lieutenant General Obed Amoah and Inspector General of Police(IGP), David Asante-Appeatu inspected the independence celebration parade, as well as received the national salute, climaxing it with the 62nd independence celebration speech of solidarity.
President Nana Akufo-Addo light the Perpetual Flames which also have the objective of reminding the commitment to a common goal, such as international peace. It also symbolizes the togetherness of the Ghanaian people expected to work in harmony towards building a better nation through patriotism and national unity.
A torch was lit, which will embark on a relay throughout the cities of Ghana as one of the key activities of the celebrations. The torch is expected to return to its starting point the following year, on the countries next independence celebration.
Traditional attires including Kente, Smock and the Gonja cloths were also on display at the venue.
Below are some of the most beautiful and very fascinating photos captured from Ghana’s 62nd independence anniversary celebration.
By: Gerrard-Israel
