GAF holds time-honoured military ceremony

Accra, March 7, GNA- Military precision coupled with a splendid performance was on display at the Independence Square last night as a time-honoured military ceremony- "Beating the Retreat"- was held by Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

"Beating the Retreat", is a military ceremony dating back to the 16th century, which was originally used in order to recall nearby patrolling units to their castle.

The ceremony held, as part of activities to commemorate Ghana's Independence was to honour the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward George Nicholas Patrick, who was the Guest of Honour at the occasion. The Duke of Kent represented the Queen of England, Elizabeth the Second at Ghana's jubilee celebration.

Also at the ceremony were President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice President Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Chief of Defence Staff of the GAF, Service Commanders, and senior military officers.

Originally known as "Watch Setting", "Beating the Retreat", was initiated at sunset by the firing of a single round from the evening gun.

But these days, most armed forces of the Commonwealth perform some ceremonial form of the retreat and are often used as a proving test for new band members.

The ceremony generally involves the marching of a band, the firing of cannon and other decorative presentations. In many cases, a castle is used as a backdrop for the parade. The Ghana Armed Forces Mass band first opened the event with a spectacular band display interspersed with performances from the Ghana Dance Ensemble.

Next came an exhilarating physical training and gymnastic display mounted by a detachment from the Physical Training School of the GAF. The dexterity with which the gymnast carried out the acrobatics received tumultuous applause from revellers who had gathered at the Square to watch the event.

A drill contingent followed with a brilliant silent drill display that amazed those not akin to military precision, as to how such a parade could be carried out without command or band music. Pipers of the First Battalion of the Royal Scots Pipes and Drums put on a splendid display with their bagpipes and drums, drawing the spectators to the tunes emanating from their wind instruments, even though alien to them. The event was rounded up with colourful display of fireworks. 7 March 07