Traders cash in on Ghana@60 anniversary celebrations

Traders were not left out of Ghana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebration on Monday as they took advantage of the large crowd around the fringes of the Independence Square to make brisk business. Some were trading in the 60th anniversary cloth, while others were selling items including bangles, scarf and vuvuzelas, as well as T’-Shirts, sandals and caps designed in the national colours Red, Yellow, Green and Black. Food vendors were selling Waakye, kenkey and fried fish, among other local delicacies, while soft drinks and bottled water were on sale to quench the thirst of some revellers who were standing in the scorching sun throughout the period. Photographers cashed-in on the celebration with people taking photographs of the historic occasion to share the moment with their children in the future. Interestingly, some motorists and bicycle riders were seen displaying their skills with dangerous moves along the major roads to the ceremonial grounds which drew applause from onlookers. Moreover, the five-minute traditional prayer by Nuumo Gbeleyfo, a traditional priest from the Osu Traditional Council, could not be ignored as his stylish way of praying drew cheers from the crowd. The various security forces on parade formed ‘’Ghana is 60’’ and ‘‘Ghana Ayeko’’ during the march-pass that drew cheers from the crowd while some took photographs of the spectacle. After the march, the Ghana Navy sounded the 21-gun-salute, which signified the end of hostilities while military helicopters flew over the ceremonial grounds amidst cheers from the crowd. The arrival of President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, at 09:40 hours drew cheers as some spectators in the stands stretched their necks to catch a glimpse of the oldest and longest serving African President who turned 94 last year. Equally, the arrival of former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama also sparked spontaneous cheers from the crowd who in turn acknowledged the cheers from the crowd with waves. The imposing portrait of President Akufo-Addo could be noticed from the far distance hanging on a billboard at the Accra Sports Stadium, signifying who was in charge of the country’s administration. The Parade Commander, Group Captain Joshua Mensah Lakai, a product of the Accra Academy, rode on a 15-year old horse nicknamed ‘Fear Not’’ distinguished himself and gave commands which were compiled by the contingents on parade. Source GNA