Ghana’s Independence Day, 6th March is always a big celebration for the Chiefs and people of Bibiani in the Western North Region of Ghana.
The day is always celebrated in a grand style with the usual march past by students from all levels and a spectacular performance by student cadet corps to replicate the march by security agencies.
Each year both indigenes of Bibiani and visitors from all walks of life troop to the now Municipal Capital of the Bibiani- Anwhiaso- Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region in their numbers just to be part of the celebration which is always characterized by loads fun-packed activities and other events such as foot ball gala and gospel rock show among others.
The cost of securing accommodation during the period usually shoots up but that doesn’t deter holiday revelers who come to witness the celebration of the day, hotels are usually fully booked ahead of the day. At one of the lodges a room which was rated at 50 cedis went for 70 cedis while the 70 rate doubled to 140 cedis. The ones which would usually charge 100 cedis per room also increased the rate to 150 cedis.
The hotels which were deemed first class or plush ones charged 300 cedis per room per night just for the celebration.
It is a full holiday and its celebrated such that every activity comes to a halt, very few shops operate on the day, this year for instance the town’s market day which fell on Friday 6th March 2020 was shifted to Thursday March 5 to reduce the traffic which comes with the celebration of the day.
According to the rich history of the area, the declaration of Ghana’s Independence on the 6th of March 1957 gave their forefathers real freedom from the all white employers in charge of Biniani’s first Gold mining company.
The then “white employers” occupied well structured bungalows which were a no go area for the indigenes of the town. The now Bibiani independence square was a segregated playing ground which was solely for the whites. They demarcated plush areas for their comfort while the indigenes were living in single rooms and under very harsh conditions.
It is said that on the day Ghana was finally declared free from colonialism, the indigenes of Bibiani took over the bungalows and club houses and other white dominated areas as a real show of ownership.
Per the history handed over to them, 6th March 1957 gave their forefathers the real meaning of independence, freedom and ownership to occupy their land. For the 63rd year the celebration of independence day has been seen as a special day for the chiefs and people of Bibiani, it has become more than Christmas or America’s Thanks Giving on the 4th of July or the Easter Festival for the Kwahu’s.
It is always climaxed with musical jams and others fun parties till mama calls.
Written by: Nana Adjoa Entsuah-Hagan
Reporter, Empire FM
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/103.5fm
