Members of the Kpone Disabled Community marched with remarkable dexterity during Ghana’s 69th Independence Day parade, drawing admiration from spectators.
The group included two people in wheelchairs who were pushed by two fellow members during the march past.
The parade featured participation from five schools drawn from both public and private institutions. Other groups that took part included the Kpone Central Market Association and the National Garment Makers Association, among others.
As part of the event, awards were presented to schools and students who distinguished themselves academically and in extracurricular activities during the 2023 and 2024 academic years.
In recognition of exceptional performance, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) also donated tablet devices to two outstanding students as part of his award package.
Madam Alice Tetteh, a person living with disability who participated in the event, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that members of the disability community had been invited by the assembly to join the parade; however, only a few individuals were able to take part due to the limited availability of wheelchairs.
Madam Tetteh further indicated that the participants did not undergo any special training ahead of the parade, as they were already familiar with the marching routines, saying that her fellow participants and colleagues provided support to ensure their inclusion in the event.
She added that the turnout from the disability community could have been higher if more individuals had access to wheelchairs.
Mr Samuel Tetteh Kwashie Morton, Kpone-Katamanso MCE, speaking under the theme “Building Prosperity and Hope”, said the celebration reflected the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders, particularly Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who secured independence on March 06, 1957.
Mr Morton noted that the struggle for independence was not only for political freedom but also for dignity, self-determination, and national prosperity.
He emphasised the municipality’s role in national development, highlighting efforts over the past year to improve sanitation, support education through learning materials and better school infrastructure, and strengthen revenue mobilisation and local governance to enhance service delivery.
The MCE also stressed the importance of peace, security, and social cohesion as key factors for attracting investment, creating employment opportunities, and empowering the youth and urged young people to remain disciplined and focused as future leaders.
He called on citizens to contribute to building prosperity and hope through honesty, community participation, respect for the law, payment of taxes, and protection of public property and the environment, while renewing their commitment to unity, hard work, and patriotism.
Mr Harry Evans Arthur, Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Director of Education, emphasised that the children participating in the march represented the future leaders of the country and noted that although institutions such as the church and even the home might sometimes fail in shaping children, the school must not fail society, as it remained the final and most reliable platform for instilling discipline and strong values in young people.
He reminded the learners that they were the hope and future of the nation and encouraged them to take their studies seriously, remain disciplined in all their activities, and strive to live up to the expectations placed upon them.
He stated that “let me leave you with the letters in the word GHANA: G – Grow in honesty and discipline, H – Honour your parents, your teachers, and yourselves, A – Aspire to excellence, N – Nurture responsibility, and the final A – Act with integrity,” he stated.
The MCE also donated a tricycle (aboboyaa) to the Chairman of the Livestock Association to improve sanitation.
