Residents of Bongo in the Upper East Region marked this year’s Independence Day with a mix of celebration and mourning following the death of the District Chief Executive.
The passing of the Bongo District Chief Executive, Joseph Akaseke Abaah, cast a shadow over the celebrations, leaving many residents in a state of grief. As a result, the national event was observed with reflection across the district.
Twenty-one contingents made up of schoolchildren from both public and private institutions marched in a colourful parade to commemorate the occasion. Despite the festive atmosphere, the event carried a solemn tone as the district continues to mourn the late DCE, who died a few days ago.
Many dignitaries at the ceremony wore black attire as a sign of respect, while schoolchildren used the occasion to pay tribute to the late DCE, acknowledging his contributions to education and development in the district.
“Bongo has had DCEs, but you were exceptional despite your short stay in office. We cannot question God, but our prayer is that your gentle soul continues to rest in the bosom of Abraham,” one tribute read.
Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, announced that 94 educational infrastructure projects have been awarded across the region to address school facility deficits and help phase out the double-track system.
He made the disclosure while delivering an address at the 69th Independence Day celebration held in Bongo on Friday.
According to the minister, the projects, funded through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), form part of government efforts to improve learning conditions, expand access to education and strengthen human capital development.
Mr. Atanga noted that the government remains committed to investing in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture and infrastructure to ensure that development reaches every community.
He added that the education interventions also include increased funding for students, the implementation of the No Fees Stress initiative and the distribution of more than 666,000 sanitary pads to support girls’ education across the country.
Speaking under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” he urged Ghanaians to work together to advance national development and preserve the peace for which the region is known.
The regional minister also commended security agencies for their dedication in maintaining law and order and encouraged students to focus on their studies and avoid riots in schools.
Ghana celebrates Independence Day every year on March 6 to commemorate the country’s freedom from colonial rule in 1957 under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The Member of Parliament for Bongo, Charles Bawa-Dua, also reflected on plans he had discussed with the late DCE aimed at transforming the district and improving opportunities for young people.
“Joseph Akaseke Abaah committed his life to youth leadership and was determined to improve the conditions of the youth. I had discussions with him on how we could contribute to improving education in the district. We had many plans, but we have lost him,” Mr. Bawa-Dua said.
The MP also announced plans to introduce an award scheme to recognize hardworking staff of the Ghana Education Service in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Akamugri Atanga urged residents to recommit themselves to national values of discipline, hard work, patriotism and service to the country.
The Independence Day celebration ended with a renewed call for unity and dedication to national development, even as the district continues to honour the memory of its late chief executive.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Azubire Anaba | Bolgatanga
