National Cadet Corps Pre-African Union Day
National Cadet Corps holds parade to commemorate AU Day
The National Cadet Corps has held a Pre-African Union Day Commemoration Cadet Youth Parade in Accra with a renewed call on young people to embrace discipline, patriotism and responsible leadership.
Last Saturday’s parade at the Liberation Circle in Accra formed part of the Corps’ activities to mark this year’s African Union (AU) Day.
On parade were 60 boys and girls from cadets in Our Lady of Mercy Senior High School, Labone Senior High School and Presbyterian Senior High School, Osu, all in Accra.
The ceremonial parade was part of the National Cadet Corps’ broader efforts to instil discipline, nationalism and responsible citizenship among the youth.
This year’s commemoration had the theme: “Shaping Disciplined Leaders for a Prosperous and Hopeful Ghana.
The hooliganism must stop.”
It was used to address growing concerns about hooliganism, violence, political intolerance and indiscipline among sections of the youth, especially in schools, public life and sporting activities.
Parade
Present to provide support to the parade were senior officials of the National Cadet Corps, security personnel, school authorities, cadet instructors, students, government representatives and guests.
The first segment of the ceremony was a guard of honour, which was inspected by the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak.
The cadets performed formations, displayed military-style drills, and marching discipline before dignitaries and officials.
There was also a wreath-laying ceremony to honour African heroes, freedom fighters and fallen patriots who contributed to the liberation, unity and development of the continent.
Dignitaries laid wreaths on behalf of the youth, the AU and African leaders together with the government.
The ceremony highlighted the sacrifices of Africans who fought against colonialism, oppression and injustice, and those who promoted Pan-Africanism and continental unity.
Discipline
The reviewing officer reminded young people about their responsibility to protect peace, democracy and African solidarity.
Dr Apaak urged them to embrace discipline, honesty and patriotism to help build a prosperous nation.
That, he said, was necessary to eliminate violent behaviour among some youth in schools and communities across the country.
“Our youth must reject hooliganism, violence and substance abuse.
The future of Ghana must be built on discipline, respect, hard work, honesty and service,” he stated.
Dr Apaak also urged young people to uphold honesty and truthfulness in their daily activities because discipline remained the foundation of national development.
The Deputy Minister of Education said hooliganism, violence and abuse continued to threaten peace, national unity and progress.
“You are the future. Carry yourself with discipline, integrity and pride,” he said.
Dr Apaak further reminded the youth of their responsibility to preserve peace, democracy and solidarity in the country and across the continent.
“Let your actions reflect discipline, patriotism, responsible citizenship and leadership as youth of Ghana,” he said.
Support
The Deputy Minister also called on corporate organisations and development partners to support the Cadet Corps with logistics and resources to help expand its activities.
He said that would aid the leadership of the National Cadet Corps’ expansion of cadet activities across the country and promote discipline among students and young people.
Dr Apaak also encouraged the leadership of the Cadet Corps to create agricultural projects and cadet farms in schools to support operations, teach practical skills and promote entrepreneurship among members.
Background
AU Day, which falls on the 25th of May each year, has been set aside to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.
