The Nadowli-Kaleo District Assembly on Friday joined the rest of the nation to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary with a colourful but modest ceremony held at the Nadowli D/A Primary School Park. The celebration, which was led by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Mary Haruna, was held under the national theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
The event brought together traditional leaders, the Member of Parliament for the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency, assembly members, heads of departments, members of the District Security Council, teachers, pupils, representatives of political parties, civil society groups, and members of the general public.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Mary Haruna reflected on Ghana’s journey since independence, noting that the nation’s freedom was achieved through courage, sacrifice, and unity by the country’s forebears. She said the anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to national development and community progress.
According to the DCE, this year’s celebration in the district was deliberately scaled down in line with the government’s call for modest commemorations across the country. She explained that the district reduced the number of participating schools and cancelled the traditional march-past in order to demonstrate fiscal discipline and responsible management of public resources.
“Building our nation’s future begins with the wise management of our limited public resources,” she emphasised.
Hon. Haruna noted that the theme for this year’s celebration was particularly relevant given the economic and social challenges confronting the country in recent years. She said building prosperity requires productivity, fiscal discipline, private sector growth and good governance, while restoring hope demands rebuilding public trust in leadership and national institutions.
The DCE also pointed to signs of improvement in the national economy, stating that inflation has declined from previous levels while the exchange rate has shown signs of stabilisation. She indicated that such improvements provide the foundation for local economic growth, enabling businesses, farmers and district assemblies to plan and invest with greater confidence.
Agriculture, she said, remains the backbone of the district’s economy. She highlighted the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which has contributed to increased food production across the country. Although bumper harvests sometimes create marketing challenges, she said government interventions are aimed at protecting farmers from losses and ensuring stable incomes.
Hon. Haruna further disclosed that infrastructure development remains a priority for the district. She revealed that several projects funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund are currently underway, with three major legacy projects expected to be completed by the end of the year. In addition, the district has constructed two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and a kindergarten block within the past year.
She emphasised that investment in education and healthcare infrastructure is critical for human capital development, which she described as the true foundation of long-term prosperity.
On education, the DCE commended the implementation of programmes aimed at empowering girls and improving digital learning in schools across the district. She stressed that empowering girls through education is essential for building an inclusive and competitive society.
Despite these gains, Hon. Haruna expressed concern about the growing threat of illegal mining and the smuggling of harmful substances along the Black Volta corridor. She warned that such activities are damaging the environment, polluting water bodies and destroying farmland.
“We cannot talk about prosperity while our natural resources are being ravaged. We cannot restore hope if lawlessness continues to threaten our security and well-being,” she stated.
She therefore called on chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups and community members to support the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities in the district.
As part of the celebrations, exhibitions were organised to showcase locally produced goods including traditional weaving, fugu garments, shea butter, dawadawa, and other craft products. Cultural groups from various communities also performed to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the district.
Educational activities such as quizzes and essay writing competitions were also held to engage students. Hon. Haruna commended participating teachers and students and paid special tribute to the Member of Parliament for the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency, Hon. Anthony Sumah Mwinkaarah, for supporting the organisation of the quiz competition.
The DCE also highlighted the government’s commitment to social protection programmes in the district. She disclosed that the Assembly has disbursed more than GH¢524,060 in both cash and material support to over 180 persons living with disabilities as part of inclusive development efforts.
She further noted that several young people in the district have benefited from the National Apprenticeship Programme and youth employment initiatives, which have helped equip them with practical skills and employment opportunities.
Hon. Haruna also announced that the district has secured funding through GETFund for 15 educational infrastructure projects across various communities. These include classroom blocks, dormitories, libraries, teachers’ quarters and sanitation facilities in schools such as Sombo SHS, Takpo SHS, Kaleo SHTS, and several basic schools within the district.
In addition, she revealed that Gbankor is currently benefiting from the construction of an astro turf pitch through the support of Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. The facility, she said, will boost sporting activities and create opportunities for the youth in the district.
Hon. Haruna reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people of Nadowli-Kaleo with integrity, diligence and dedication. She called on citizens to work together to protect the environment, empower the youth, support education and safeguard public resources. “Independence is not just a historical event. It thrives on accountability, discipline and collective responsibility,” she said.
She urged residents to remain united and committed to the development of the district and the nation.
The celebration ended with a renewed call for national unity and patriotism as participants marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Day.
Finally, the DCE concluded by wishing the Nadowli-Kaleo District, the Upper West Region, and Ghana, long life and peace.
The Trial News
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