National Musical Concert disrupted by unruly crowd
Accra (Greater Accra) 07 January 2002 - A national musical concert being organised in Accra on Saturday night to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Fourth Republic came to an abrupt end when some of the excited audience surged to the stage that almost resulted in a stampede.
They overwhelmed the few security men on duty and destroyed the fencing and electrical wiring at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle where the event was taking place to also mark the first anniversary of Kufuor's administration dubbed " one year of positive change".
When persistent appeals by Mr Michael Smith, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) to persuade the large audience who had filled every space at the circle to move back failed, he announced the cancellation of the programme in consultation with some public officials present, attracting jeers and threats from the expectant crowd.
Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs who was present was given Police escort to leave after waiting for almost 45 minutes for the situation to normalise.
The show that started at 6 PM should have lasted for 12 hours but travelled for only four hours into the night with some few thrilling performances from local Artistes.
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the programme would be rescheduled for a more convenient place like the Independence Square or the Trade Fair Site.
“ I am disappointed but not totally since there would be another opportunity for a musical show on Independence Day," he remarked.
He said it was better for the concert to be cancelled to avoid a similar incident that claimed the lives of soccer fans in May, last year at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Mr Sidiku Buari, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) expressed disappointment at the turn of events since a number of musicians were lined up for the programme.
Musicians and Musical groups like Paapa Yankson, Alhaji K. Frimpong, G-
Life, Prince Osei Kofi, Pozo Hayes, Mac Tontoh, Ras Tonto, Kofi Sammy, The Happy Stars and the Wulomei had earlier entertained the crowd with Reggae, Highlife, Hip-life and other musical performance.
Others slated for performance were popular Artistes like Lord Kenya, Randy Nonoo, Felix Bell, Original Ras Korby, Kontihene, Paapa She and Mary Agyepong.
At about 9:PM, the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces held the audience spell-bound for about 45 minutes with splendid fireworks that lit up the sky with beautiful colour works.
The fountain at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle which is operated by city authorities only during festive national occasions had been turned on whilst the Metropolis was adorned with the national colours to mark the anniversary that began on Friday with special Moslem prayers.
Church services and a Gospel Rock show would be held on Sunday to be followed by a Peoples` Assembly programme on Monday. Similar activities are being organised in the Regions.
GRi…/
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