Teachers who are taking part in the 54th Independence Day celebrations were on Friday
praised for their enthusiasm despite earlier threats to boycott the anniversary activities because of irregularities associated with the implementation of their Single Spine Salary Structure.
Despite fears that they might abandon the programme, they were at the Independence Square in their numbers on Friday to assist their pupils and students who had been selected for the march past that would be held on Sunday.
“Yesterday, when I heard of their threat to boycott the celebration, I was a bit apprehensive. But this morning when I got here, I realised that most of those who are to take part in the celebration had arrived and I was glad about that,” said Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Simon Ofoli, Officer in Charge of the Parade.
Speaking to the GNA at the Independence Square on Friday during the last rehearsal, he said 41 contingents made up of 10 school cadets, 14 first-cycle schools, 11 second-cycle schools and six youth clubs in the Greater Accra Region
had been selected for the march past.
“Just like last year, no security agency would be involved in the celebration as we want to give the celebration a new facelift,” he explained.
He said the programme would start at exactly 0830 hours with the arrival of President John Evans Atta Mills and would last for two hours.
WO1 Ofoli praised the pupils and students for the enthusiasm and level of endurance which had kept increasing every year.
“Although a few students felt dizzy, no one collapsed this time. On the whole there has also been a tremendous improvement in the way they march,” he said.
Officials from the 37 Military Hospital and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) were at hand to offer medical assistance to those who might need it.
Madam Noelle Yaa Boateng, a teacher of Ayalolo Junior High School in Accra, who is the Parade Commander, praised the pupils and students for their zeal in the celebration.
Mr Theophlus Lamptey, a second year student of Kinbu Secondary and Technical School, praised teachers for their decision to participate in the celebrations which had spurred them on to give of their best.
“I wonder what this year’s celebration would have been if they (teachers) had boycotted it,” he said.