For the first time under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, the colours of the ruling party were absent at the March 6th parade in Kumasi.
Supporters of NDC have in recent times decorated event grounds with party paraphernalia.
The Ghana flag was used to decorate the venue, a move which political watchers say ensured the success of the national event.
The personnel of security agencies and pupils in the region marched gallantly as the Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong took the salute.
Attendance at the programme was overwhelming.
People, who wanted to catch a glimpse of proceedings, were seen standing on the veranda of buildings. President Mahama, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Sarpong, charged Ghanaians to emulate their forefathers by being disciplined, selfless and dedicated to the fight against poverty.
The President observed that Ghana was facing water and energy crises and promised to help find lasting solution to the problems in the shortest possible time.
Governance, he said, was a shared responsibility and tasked the citizenry to take collective ownership of social infrastructure that the government would construct.
The President also implored the citizenry to come together to resolve the problems of the nation.
He warned the populace against polluting the environment, which could have devastating effects on their lives and cautioned drivers to shun reckless driving to help reduce road accidents.
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to work assiduously to ensure rapid development of the country so that in the near future they would be remembered for their good deeds. The event was attended by government officials, security agents and heads of departments, just to mention a few.
The NDC executives in the region like Yaw Obimoeh and Joseph Yammin were also present.
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