Tuesday, March 6, 2012

3-6-23 Independence Day Accra Ghana



Independence Square- The description below is from Kerri Rodgers, a fellow teacher, she is much more elegant in her writing.

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Happy Independance Day!
March 6, 2012
Today is the fifty-fifth anniversary of Ghana's Independence. We left early this morning for the Ghanaian Independence Celebration in Accra, which was held at Independence Square on the ocean with battle cruisers in background. When we arrived, all the stands were filled with people crowded together, each person hoping to get a view of President John Atta Mills and former President Jerry John Rawlings as they passed through the several thousand military personnel and students lined up in formation to march around the square. Each branch of the uniformed services was represented in the ranks: marines, army, navy, fire fighters, police officers, special forces, and so on. One secondary school from each district in Accra was represented as well. Each selected school then chose the top students as participants for the day’s activities. It is considered a tremendous honor to be selected to march in the celebration. It is also tiring and difficult because those on the square remained at attention for over three hours in the hot, tropical sun as President Mills gave his speech, passed through and inspected the ranks, and lit a flame in a special caldron at the edge of the square. Then there was a performance of traditional music by various tribal groups and a blessing was given. Afterwards, each group marched around the square as the band played. This lasted for over an hour. The band must have been tired! Once all the groups had returned to their places on the square, the special forces from each service branch came out marching in full battle dress regalia.  The navy seals wore their snorkels, masks, and flippers with their packs and faces camouflaged while they gleefully high-stepped in unison around the square. They were by far the most entertaining group to watch and they were undoubtedly having the most fun as well.

While the ceremony was happening men and women were selling every imaginable food and drink possible. They pushed their way through the crowded stands carrying eggs, water bags, hot dogs on a stick, and countless other types of food in buckets and plate on their heads. Maybe I could learn a thing or two about balance and coordination from them!

After the Independence Day Celebration we stopped off at Osu Shopping District to meander around before lunch. I picked up a few Ghanaian dress shirts for work on Thursday, which I know you're dying to see…so stay tuned!

2 comments:

  1. My students wanted to know what their flag looks like?

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  2. It is 3 horizontal stripes, yellow, red and blue with a black star. I will find one and take a picture this week.
    Keep up the great questions.
    Mr. French

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