One of the platforms at the Independence Square
The Independence Square has been decorated for the inauguration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as president tomorrow.
The Independence Square, which hosts all major national public events, is being given a facelift prior to the event, which is expected to be attended by about 6,000 local and international guests.
The dissolution of the sixth parliament of the Fourth Republic and the inauguration of the new one would take place at midnight on January 6, 2017 in the House.
Parliament will reconvene later on Saturday morning at the Independence Square where the inauguration and official handing over ceremony would take place.
Apart from the repainting and decorations, several special stages had been erected for parliamentarians and special guests.
The various agencies preparing the venue say work is over 85 percent complete.
Adams Mohammed Mahama, Communications Manager at Zoomlion, indicated that the company was providing free sanitary service to clean the city for the important event.
President Mahama said the sanitation company had cleaned the chairs, scrubbed the ground, cleared the bushes and the beach behind the Independence Square.
“We started this about six days ago in town, painting and cleaning all the roads that lead to this area. It’s an international programme with a lot of visitors and witnesses, and Zoomlion being the powerhouse in waste management we want to ensure that the place is clean all the time,” he said.
About 500 personnel of Zoomlion are expected to be deployed.
Expected Attendance
So far, 11 heads of state and governments, two vice presidents, 13 government representatives, five representatives of international multilateral organizations and a number of ex-presidents from the West African sub-region and other parts of the world have confirmed their participation, said the co-chairperson of the Inauguration Committee, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway a few days ago.
Ivorian President Allasane Quattara is expected to be the special guest of honour for the occasion.
The chairperson of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the President of Guinea, Alpha Conde would be in attendance.
President of Nigeria, Muhammudu Buhari, President of Benin Alpha Talon, President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Zambia Edgar Lungu, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn would attend the event.
The inauguration is expected to begin at 10:00 am on Saturday.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the outer perimeter would accommodate 6,000 people.
Over 5,000 security persons are also expected to supervise activities at the Independence Square on Saturday.
The security officials are expected to thoroughly screen all persons who have direct and indirect roles to play during the inauguration.
Other Arrangements
Members of the public and all guests, except VIPs, are expected to be seated at the Independence Square by 8:30 am, spokesman of the NPP side of the Transition Team and MP-elect for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, indicated.
The main activity is expected to start at 10:00 am.
The media and all other persons, who would be performing specific duties on the day, are expected to hold the necessary accreditations.
There would be a banquet at the State House at 1:00 pm for the president, vice president, visiting heads of state and dignitaries, and attendance would be strictly by invitation.
At 6:00 pm on 7th January, 2016, a cocktail party would be held at the presidency, followed by a dinner for the dignitaries at 8:00 pm at the same venue.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri