Swimmers running into the sea whiles the crowd cheered them on
Ghana’s historical past bears the scars of military overthrows, one of which led to the ascension of Ignatius Kutu Acheampong as Head of State, following a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected Progress Party government, led by Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, on January 13, 1972.
After five years in power, the regime held a 5th anniversary celebration in 1977 to mark its tenure.
A video footage, sighted by GhanaWeb and shared on X by ASK, a platform known for its historical archives, shows the events that took place during the celebration, including the activities that marked its climax.
As part of the celebrations, a boat race and surf swimming competition were organised at the Jamestown Beach, attracting participants from various regions who represented different teams.
The event also featured a prize for the winner.
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In the video, participants were seen seated in their respective boats on the calm sea, while others were swimming toward the finish line to claim the prize: a carton of gin and 200 cedis at the time.
Ultimately, the Abandze team from the Central Region won the first prize, to the cheers of the crowd, including dignitaries and top officials who had gathered to witness the event and support the teams.
Watch the video below:
Throwback to the Acheampong regime’s 5th anniversary celebration in 1977, marked by boat racing and surf swimming competitions at Jamestown Beach. Teams from various regions participated, and the Abandze team from the Central Region won the first prize of a carton of gin and 200… pic.twitter.com/hlfg486WRy
— 𝐀𝐒𝐊 (@askghmedia) August 12, 2025
MAG/AE
Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
