U/East: About 32 basic, JSS & SHS participate in Ghana @61 parade About thirty-two basic, Junior and Senior High schools in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region took part in Ghana’s 61st Independence Day celebrations. The colorful event characterised by spectacular acrobatic display and gymnastic moves from selected participatory schools saw O.L.L Girls Senior High being adjudged the best performing school in the senior high school category. St Mary's Primary School also emerged the winner in the primary category while the Basania Junior high topped the Junior high school category for the gallant display of skills during the march past. They were presented with certificates of participation. Also present to grace the occasion were some professional bodies including members of GNAT-LAS, the Ghana Red Cross Society as well as the Hairdressers and Beauticians Association of Ghana. Others were the various school cadet corps, Zoomlion Ghana among other architectural groups. Addressing the gathering on the theme: “Ghana beyond Aid”, the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Chief Executive, Williams Aduum, highlighted the critical role of stakeholders, chiefs and opinion leaders in national development. He said for the municipality to assume it's rightful position, all departments in the municipality must be proactive in all their endeavors. He expressed the need for the people in the area to patronize made in Ghana goods. Mr. Aduum said most of the basic schools in the municipality lack furniture for effective teaching and learning. He said schools will be established in all the communities that are without basic school. Mr. Aduum bemoaned the high level of robbery cases and in the area and said his outfit is collaborating with the municipal police command to nib the situation in the bud. He said businesses in the area cannot strive without peace. He said his outfit will collaborate with stakeholders and heads of departments to ensure there is a conducive environment for businessmen and men. Mr. Aduum charged the various stakeholders to complement the role of the municipal assembly by committing resources to develop the capacities for a better generation in future. The MCE thanked the good people in the area who have one way or the other contributed towards the development of the area. He said the municipality can be self reliant when the people in the area desist from partisan politics and support any initiative that are geared towards development in the area. The Kassena-Nankana Municipal Director of Education, Anne Estella Kye-eeboh, called on the teachers in the municipality to help lift the standard education in the municipality. She charged parents and teachers to play their roles effectively to ensure quality teaching and learning. Other distinguished individuals in the municipality were awarded for their enormous contribution in improving the local economy. The colourful event was graced by Chiefs, Heads of Departments, Queen mothers among other functionaries. Radio Ghana’s Correspondent Samuel Ayammah GBCONLINE ---DECRYPTED---