The Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA) joined the rest of the country to mark the 67th Independence Day with a colorful and splendid parade at Abokobi, the Municipal Capital.

The occasion was also used to honor and award the three (3) best-performing candidates in the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Municipality.

A total of 544 students from both public and private basic schools, including Kwabenya SHS, took part in the march-past with three (3) cadets from St. Dominic Roman Catholic Basic School, Love Presby Basic School, and Gold Avenue Basic School.

The Atomic Hills Basic School 2 provided the brass band for the march-past while Akporman Model and Ashongman Presby Basic Schools' Seperewa and Borboorbor Groups entertained the gathering with beautiful and splendid cultural performances.

The National Ambulance Services and NADMO were available to provide paramedical services.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Chief of Abokobi, Hon. Nii Samuel Adjetey Mohenu, President-elect of the Ga East Chiefs' Association, Hon. Samuel Nii Annang Ofori, Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. Nii-Amarh Ashitey, Municipal Director of Education (MDE), President of the Ga East Zongo Chiefs' Council, Alhaji Inusah Bashiru, General Secretary of the Ga East Council of Churches, Apostle Kweku Menyah, and Organizer of the Ga East Imams' Council, Mallam Mustapha Yusif.

Service Commanders from the Abokobi-Ayi-Mensah, Kwabenya, and Mile 7 Police and Fire Officers from Madina and Legon were also present.

Delivering the Independence Day address, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Deborah Ampofo, emphasized the significance of Ghana's growing democratic governance and impact on the overall development of the nation, implored the citizenry to jealousy guard it.

"As we commemorate this anniversary, let us reflect on the values that make our democracy strong. The principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These are not just words; they are the foundation upon which our nation has been built. It is our duty to uphold and cherish these values, ensuring that they remain the guiding lights for generations to come", she remarked.

Hon. Deborah Ampofo called for a peaceful coexistence among the people of the Municipality and strive towards peaceful elections in December this year as a positive outcome will greatly enhance the nation's democratic credentials.

The Municipal Director of Education (MDE), Mr. Eric Sey, noted the crucial roles children and parents play in advancing democracy in Ghana and urged them to remain committed to the ideals and principles of democratic governance.

"As educators, we play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of citizens who will carry forward the torch of democracy. We must instill in our students the importance of civic engagement, critical thinking, and respect for diversity. Parents, too, have a vital role to play in teaching their children the values of democracy – from the dinner table conversations to the way they engage with their communities", he stated.

Three candidates of the 2023 BECE who performed exceptionally with aggregates six (6) each well were recognized and awarded with citations and cash amounts by the Ga East Municipal Assembly presented by the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive.

Miss Thelma Naa Adjekaa Badu from Taifa Community 3 M/A Basic School, was the overall best candidate in the Municipality, now studying Electrical Engineering at the East Legon Applied Technology Institute, and received an amount of GHC1,500.00.

Gerald Kobina Fuah, from Taifa Community 3 M/A Basic School, now studying Science at PRESEC, Legon, emerged as the second best candidate and was given an amount of GHC1,200.00, while Prince Yaw Frempong

Boateng from Akporman M/A Basic School 1, now studying Science at PRESEC, Legon, was the 3rd best candidate and was given an amount of GHC1,000.00.

Atomic Hills Basic School 1 were the overall best-performing School in the 2023 BECE and were also recognized and awarded with a citation.

Ashongman Presby Basic School 2 emerged winners in the Basic Schools category of the march-past with the Police Model Papao Presby 2 placing second and third respectively.

In the Cadet category, St. Dominic Roman Catholic Basic School were adjudged the best and Love Presby Basic School, and Gold Avenue Basic School taking the second and third places respectively.

Kwabenya SHS, the only participating school in the SHS category were crowned winners.

All the winners of the march-past, the brassband and cultural groups were presented with certificates of recognition.