Independence Square was not built solely for parades – Lord Commey

Director of Operations at the Jubilee House and Chairman of the Independence Day planning committee, Mr Lord Oblittey Commey, has established that hosting the parade in other regions does not in any way render the Black Star Square in Accra useless.

His statements come after the annual national celebration took place outside Accra for the second consecutive time.

Last year, it was held at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale in the Northern Region for the first time in the country’s history.

President Akufo-Addo announced the rotation of the Independence Day parade in the various regions in 2019.

Independence Square, established in 1961 has been the sole designated venue for the parade and celebrations.

But, in an exclusive interview with ghanaweb.com, Mr Commey disputed the practice, emphasing that the independence square has not been ruled out of the parade forever and that the celebrations will be brought back to Accra when President Nana Akufo-Addo decides.

“The independence square was not purposely built for a parade. It’s one of our national assets and still relevant. The parade certainly will come back there someday when the president directs,” he stated.

When asked about the criteria for selecting other regions for the national parade, Mr Commey responded by saying, it is at the discretion of president Akufo-Addo.

“The selections are done based on the discretion of the President. When we went to Tamale, we never knew that Kumasi will be the next place so the president later informed us that he wants it to be held in Kumasi this year. As I speak to you now, I don’t know where the next one will be held,” he said.

He further explained, President Akufo-Addo’s decision to host the Independence Day celebrations in other regions is purposely to unearth and showcase their rich culture and tourism as well as for economic benefits to be realized in those regions.

“You will realize how the celebration has turned around the local economy and has brought some life into the regions. The people of the regions and their culture has been lightened. That was the thinking of the president when he said it was time to take it to other regions,”

Mr Commey added the model is also a way of providing an opportunity for the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources over the regions.