How hundreds missed 63rd Independence Anniversary Parade behind stadium gates

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium hosted two groups of people during the 63rd Independence Day Celebration Parade as the 43 seater sports stadium was bursting at its seems.

While thousands watched from within the stadium, hundreds were yet held up behind the entry points of the stadium clamouring to enter.

It took the military some show of authority to calm down some nervy moments behind the gates as the crowds turned impatient on the hearing of cheers and wild jubilation from the stadium.

Not even the lies of women going to pick up their three-year-olds and men insisting they had left their belongings in the stadium would convince the military guards to let them in.

Some reporters who turned up late suffered the same fate even with their accreditation tags hanging around their necks as the ceremony proceeded. Students who turned up to cheer on their schools and to catch a glimpse of history were not spared the fate as they looked helpless in front of the security gates.

Some persons who spoke to Ghanaweb's Asanti Regional Correspondent, Ivan Heathcote - Fumador, were torn between going back home to view the proceedings on television or staying over and just hoping that the doors will fly open.

An obviously disturbed Fanmilk seller who gave her name as Gina Takyi was worried, “My sales have not been good today. I am only hoping that they will buy my things when they come out.”

Within the stands, a larger crowd who managed to make their way safely into the stadium had to stand for hours in the upper sections of the seating areas unable to find seats to observe the ceremony in comfort.



Organisers of the event will, however, be elated with the success chalked as the Ashanti Regional Capital Kumasi tasted its first-ever National Independence Day Anniversary Ceremony held in the full flamboyant attendance of the President Nana Akufo Addo and the Asantehene Otumffuo Osei Tutu II and a host of other dignitaries.

Meanwhile, the huge traffic jams that were expected with the closure of some major roads leading to the stadium did not happen as roads were clear throughout the session.