Wreath laying to commemorate June 4 Uprising

Accra, June 4, GNA - Hundreds of enthusiastic Ghanaians on Thursday thronged to the Revolution Square in Accra to witness a solemn but colourful wreath laying ceremony to commemorate 30 years of the June 4 Uprising.

By the time GNA got to the scene, a teeming crowd was spotted, clad in different apparels, designed with the portrait of former President Jerry John Rawlings amidst singing and dancing. Scores of people including children who had heard about the arrival of former President Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu, pushed their way through the security cordon to catch a glimpse of them and to participate in the event.


The ceremony began with the pouring of libation as well as prayers offered by the Muslim and Christian representatives. A minute's of silence was observed for those who died during the uprising after which the wreaths were laid.


Mr. Nii Armah Ashittey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, laid the first one on behalf of the people of Ghana.

Mr. Valis Akyianu, a former Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana Fire Service, laid one on behalf of the Security Services of Ghana and Col Tagoe laid the third wreath for those who died during the uprising. Mad. Mercy Nii Djan, Secretary of Greater Accra Regional Women's Branch of the NDC, laid the last one on behalf of the cadres. After the wreaths were laid, Miss Roberta Hopenbeaur, daughter of late Capt. Carl Hopenbeaur, a functionary of the erstwhile AFRC, accompanied by Lt-Gen. Arnold Quainoo (RTD), a former Force commander, lighted the perpetual flame to signify the continuity of the ideals of the June 4 uprising.


Present were some ministers and some NDC supporters. Former President Rawlings is expected to address a crowd at a forum to be held later on Thursday at the Old Kasoa Market to commemorate 30 years of the uprising.


The cadres earlier went on a route march through some of the main streets of Accra before converging at the Revolution Square for the wreath laying ceremony 04 June 09