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Ghana marks 50th birthday
Accra, March 6, GNA-Addressing the most historic event of
his seven years stewardship, President John Agyekum Kufuor
on Tuesday paid homage to people whose sweat and toil gave
Ghana political independence from British colonial rule.
"Today, I pay homage to the first President of Ghana, Dr
Kwame Nkrumah and his colleagues from the United Gold Coast
Convention who in 1947 launched the last phase of the
process towards independence."
Addressing thousands of people who thronged the Independence
Square to mark 50 years of Ghana's independence, he paid
tribute to J.B. Danquah, Paa Grant, Edward Akufo-Addo,
William Ofori-Atta and Ako Adjei, who initiated the process
of political emancipation.
Digging down into history, he listed giants of the
Danquah-Busia and Nkrumaist traditions, which had shaped the
political history of Ghana.
" But above all, let us give thanks and praise for the many
Ghanaians throughout the years who have worked anonymously
and often without reward to make our nation what it is
today."
President Kufuor singled out his colleague heads of state,
including the Special Guest, President Olusegun Obasanjo for
joining Ghana to celebrate the big day.
" I am sure you will agree with me that it is a celebration
not only for Ghana but also for the whole of Africa. For
March 6, 1957 changed the outlook of our Continent and its
status and role in the world forever.
"The African on the Continent, who for centuries had been
violated and subjugated through the Slave Trade and
Colonialism. That fateful day succeeded in breaking asunder,
the chains of bondage. Today therefore is as much Ghana's
celebration as it is for the rest of Africa."
Every space at the Independence Square was adorned with the
national colours and filled to capacity by cheering citizens
and non-citizens alike, some of whom gave the security
personnel hard time as they surged to the parade grounds to
have a full view of the historic moment.
Chiefs, politicians, journalists and people from all walks
of life were seen clad in the national colour, kente or
smocks apparel and waving miniature flags.
There was deafening shouts as the Police Constabulary
escorted President Kufuor to the Square.
The smiling President waved enthusiastically to the crowd
and proceeded to inspect the Guard of Honour mounted by the
security agencies and lit the Perpetual flame.
GNA
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