Speaking on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Felix Mensah Nii Annan-La said, "Even though underachievement may have been a major part of our history thus far, it should no longer be part of our destiny."

He was addressing a parade mounted by first and second cycle schools in the Tema Metropolis to commemorate Ghana’s 61st Independence Day at the Tema Sports Stadium.He said “we did not have to accept the definition someone else gives us because of the economic predicament we find ourselves in, because it is only Ghanaians who could determine the kind of nation they would want to live in”.

"Achieving our destiny requires a deliberate, qualitative change in all aspects of our lives, in the structure of our economy, the state of our infrastructure, the education of our young people and acquisition of skills and above all, in our attitudes and the holding firm to the values that define us, “he said.

The Tema Metropolitan Director of Education, Madam Margaret Nsiah-Asamoah, said Ghana’s independence should not only be expressed politically but economically as well. According to her, to be economically independent required "conscious and concerted efforts as citizens to produce future leaders who will put Ghana beyond aid."

She added that, "Ghana beyond aid means investing in people and building the capacity of the present and next generation of citizens.  One thousand, eight hundred student and 60 teachers from thirty basic and second cycle schools took part in the march past and parade. Our Lady of Mercy (OLAMS) Senior High School came first in the parade with 119 marks, with Holy Child International School, Sakumono winning the basic schools marching parade with 115 marks.