Some pupils of the Denu Municipal Assembly Basic School in the Ketu South Municipality, have called on authorities to reconsider the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade, saying the decision denies them experiencing the spirit of the national celebration.
The pupils said the parade formed an important part of the Independence Day commemoration for students and served as a source of inspiration for many, who aspire to join the country’s security services in the future.
When the Ghana News Agency visited the school, pupils were engaged in a clean-up exercise in line with a directive by the Presidency for schools and institutions across the country to mark the 69th Independence Day anniversary through environmental sanitation activities instead of the usual parades.
While participating in the exercise, some of the pupils expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the march past, saying they had been looking forward to the annual event.
Ms Amedzi Crystabel, a pupil, told the GNA that she had expected the march to be organised this year after it was cancelled the previous year.
She said she had even asked her parents to buy new shoes and white socks in preparation for the event.
“I asked my parents to buy me a new pair of shoes and socks, which they did, only to be told that there would not be a march past but rather a clean-up exercise,” she said.
Ms Crystabel noted that although she appreciated the importance of keeping the environment clean, she believed they were being denied the chance to fully experience the significance of the Independence Day celebration.
She added that the march past also prepared students who hoped to join cadet corps and eventually enlist in the security services.
“My elder brothers and sisters always brag about how beautifully they marched during their younger days in school in commemoration of Ghana’s independence,” she added.
Interactions with other pupils also revealed similar sentiments, with many expressing concerns that the cancellation of the parade deprived them of an opportunity to learn basic marching drills often associated with the military, police, and other security agencies.
Some said they had ambitions of joining the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Navy, and other security services and believed participating in school parades would have helped nurture that interest.
Mr Prosper Mensah, the Headmaster of Denu M.A. Basic School, said the school had tried to explain to the pupils the rationale behind the cancellation of the parade, but many still felt disappointed.
He said although the announcement had been made earlier, the excitement associated with the annual march past remained strong among the pupils.
“We tried to convince them to understand the reasons behind the decision, but most of them still feel something very important and special has been taken away from them,” he said.
Mr Mensah noted that despite the cancellation, many of the pupils still demonstrated their enthusiasm for marching drills.
“Sometimes when they are going to buy food or play outside, they line up and start marching on their own,” he said.
Ghana marked its 69th Independence Day on March 6, 2026, commemorating the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
The anniversary is being observed on the theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” which highlights efforts to overcome the country’s current economic and social challenges while working towards a more prosperous future.
Source: GNA
