Graphic Online BY: Regional Desk Report 705 For the first time in decades Ghana will mark its Independence Day anniversary without the traditional march past of the security services and selected schools at the national, regional and district levels. It is because the President has suspended the mounting of parades as part of activities to mark Ghana’s 64th Independence Day celebration. This situation has been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to observe the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) prescribed safety protocols which include social distancing. The government’s directive to the Ghana Education Service (GES) on February 11 stated that it was in line with measures put in place by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo himself to avoid large gatherings as the country continued to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.