Statesman and veteran diplomat KB Asante has rejected calls for school children to be excluded from the Independence Day anniversary parade. Leader and founder of the Progressive People’s Party, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, is convinced school children are only “tortured” standing for hours “on the hot Ghanaian sun” during the anniversary parade. In a statement Dr. Nduom said he would put an end to that torture when voted into office as president and would adopt very innovative ways of getting all Ghanaians involved in the independence anniversary celebration. But in an interview with Joy News, KB Asante said children cannot be left out of these anniversary parades. Chronicling the historical antecedents of the anniversary celebration, the retired educationist said many school children look forward to taking part in the anniversary parade and cannot be left out. He argued that feeling contributes immensely to national consciousness and imbibing in the students the spirit of patriotism. Instead of banning the students completely, Mr. Asante said the time spent by the students during the parade can be reduced drastically. He said teachers must also use the period to teach the students the true meaning and essence of independence and make them feel they can do great things for Ghana. He said taking part in the anniversary parade cannot be a torture for school children because they look forward to it. They are very eager. Mr Asante said the students who take part in the parade must be scrutinized well enough in order to take only those who are healthy for the parade. Meanwhile, students who spoke to Joy News have expressed mixed reaction about the suggestion to exclude them from the parade. Whilst some see it as an attempt to exempt them from a worthy national cause, others say the parade is energy sapping and only soldiers who have been trained for that exercise must be made endure it.