Celebration all together

The Black Star Square in Accra which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean was bursting at the seams yesterday when Ghanaians turned up in their thousands to celebrate the 59th anniversary of Ghana’s Independence.

The stands were filled to capacity and the milling crowd spilled over to portions of the inner space as security personnel tried to hold them back.

Selected schools within the Accra metropolis and contingents from the security services formed the parade, which was spiced with troop and equipment display, as well as cultural display by schoolchildren.

Sporting a smock, President Mahama went round in an open car to inspect the ceremonial guards and the schoolchildren before taking the salute at the march past.

The helicopter display, which saw paratroopers making spectacular landing, brought the crowd on its feet, while three Ghana Air Force jets whizzed through the sky.

Two Ghana Navy ships also conducted manoeuvres at sea and a 21-gun salute boomed from the ships while the National Anthem was played.