Thousands of Ghanaians turned out in high spirits last Saturday for the maiden Independence Day Run/Walk, with the Chief of Staff to President John Dramani Mahama, Julius Debrah, leading the charge at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.

Mr Debrah’s participation underscored the government’s renewed push for national wellness and regular exercise, as the event formed part of activities marking Ghana’s 69th Independence anniversary celebrations.

The colourful event, which featured 5km and 10km race categories, attracted over 2,000 participants, including prominent public figures, corporate executives and politicians.

Among the high-profile participants were the Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso West, Michael Mensah; Deputy Director (Technical) at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and National Coordinator of the National Wellness Programme, Betty Krosbi Mensah; former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong and President of the African Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen.

Organised by the promoters of the Millennium Marathon in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the event aimed to promote healthy living, unity and civic engagement through sport.

It is expected to become an annual fixture, staged on the Saturday following Independence Day, to reinforce national wellness, social cohesion and cultural pride.

Participants, many clad in colourful national jerseys, created a festive atmosphere that blended sport with patriotism.

The competitive races drew runners from several countries, including Nigeria, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Finland and India, adding an international flavour to the occasion.

In the headline men’s 10km race, Ghana’s David Nakousi stormed to victory in 30 minutes 11.36 seconds to claim the top prize of GH¢3,000.

Former Millennium Marathon winner Ishmael Arthur finished second in 30.28 minutes, while Bassit Afful completed a Ghanaian sweep of the podium in 30.31 minutes.

The same prize structure applied in the women’s race, where Mariama Aidoo dominated the women’s 10km event, crossing the finish line in 38.22 minutes ahead of Belinda Segbolor (38.37 minutes) and Ramata Abdullai (39.44 minutes).

In the men’s 5km race, Daniel Abotsi claimed victory in 15.12 minutes, with Collins Sekleh (15.32) and Abdul Sulemana (15.38 minutes) taking second and third places respectively.

The women’s 5km event was won by Tuolong Reina, who finished in 17.44 minutes, ahead of Elizabeth Agyei (18.31 minutes) and Jennifer Annan (18.40).

Catherine Morton, the Race Director of the Millennium Marathon, described the maiden event as a resounding success and a powerful demonstration of national unity.

“It was very successful with over 2,000 participants when we were expecting less. We were oversubscribed for the maiden edition, the atmosphere was good, the Chief of Staff was here and even foreigners joined to celebrate and participate,” she told the Graphic Sports.

Madam Morton explained that the Independence Day Run/Walk was designed to serve two key purposes: to introduce a shorter race that bridges the gap between recreational running and the Millennium Marathon’s 21km half-marathon, and to promote wellness around Ghana’s Independence celebrations.