36 people collapse at Independence Parade

Accra, March 6, GNA - At least 36 people made up of school children and security personnel collapsed at the Independence Square in Accra during the 51st independence anniversary parade on Thursday. Madam Laurencia Dzisam, a member of the National Ambulance Service on the parade ground, said she recorded 25 people while another medical team from the 37 Military Hospital had in their care 11 others who collapsed out of fatigue.

The condition was due to tiredness, hunger, heat or nervousness. Some of the people were also sick before attending the parade, she said. Ghana marks her independence on the 6th of March every year with a parade of security services and school children at the sea front Independence square with the President in attendance to take the salute. Madam Dzisam said the number of casualties recorded during Thursday's event was less than the number of such persons treated during rehearsals ahead of the occasion.

When GNA visited the camp of the National Ambulance Service, some of the people were being taken to hospital while others were treated and discharged.

Alongside the parade were shoemakers and food vendors, especially cold water sellers, who took the opportunity to do business. 06 March 08