History came alive at the Old Polo Grounds, now the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, on the eve of the country’s 54th independence anniversary, when the Ghana Actors Guild re-enacted the declaration of Independence.
The grounds were the exact geographical location where Dr Nkrumah and stalwarts of the Convention Peoples Party, clad in smock, declared the country free from British colonial rule on March 5.
The was a narration of the country’s history from 1948-1956 to the massive audience that witnessed the occasion, which ushered in the 54th independence anniversary celebration on the theme: “Discipline and Hard Work, Essential Prerequisite for Better Ghana.”
David Dontoh, an ace actor, who played the role of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah thundered the famous Independence declaration speech by the first President: “At long last the battle has ended; Ghana our beloved country is free for ever….”
The speech, which lasted for about 10 minutes, attracted prolonged cheers from the jubilant crowd who had occupied every space at the Mausoleum, whch was adorned with the national colours.
The event did not go without a cultural display by a number of cultural troupes who sang and danced to the traditional tunes of the country’s various ethnic groups.
The sombre sky overlooking the coastal line of the Mausoleum and the Independence Square was brightened up by a fireworks display by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces, compelling the mesmerised crowd to clap and shout despite the deafening noise the "boom-boom" bomb-like sound was making.
Mr James Agyenim-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Tourism, who addressed the event, said the theme for this year’s celebration was significant because it was through discipline and hard work “that our founding fathers brought the country to where it is now”.
“As we re-enact and celebrate our independence every year, let us direct our thoughts towards the reasons for which our forbearers struggled to liberate us,” he said.
The Deputy Minister noted that the country was full of citizens who were ready to embrace democratic principles and ideals and to uphold freedom and justice.
A cross-section of Ghanaians who spoke to the Ghana News Agency after the event said they were proud and felt honoured as citizens.
A man, who gave his name as Gordon, said he was grateful to God for keeping him alive to witness “this great occasion”.
Michel, a UK citizen, said the ceremony made him wish he was a Ghanaian.
Some cheerful looking tourists said the event fulfilled their agenda to visit Ghana to enjoy themselves.
The programme was put together by Radio Gold, an Accra-based radio station and the Actors Guild.