GHANA@50: Germany

Ghanaian culture was at its best in Berlin today as a cross-section of Ghanaians joined members of the diplomatic and business community to celebrate the country`s 50th anniversary of independence.

Clad in a caleidoscope of colours, Ghanaians proudly thronged the atrium of the Deutsche Bank in the centre of Berlin to honour the founding fathers who gave birth to their nation on 6th March 1957.

His Excellency Mr Grant Ohemeng Kesse, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Germany described March 6 as a historic day for Ghana adding that "Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister of Ghana and the architect of Ghana`s freedom, on the eve of independence in 1957, declared that Ghana`s Independence was meaningless unless it was linked up with the total liberation of the African continent", stressing that that declaration "gave an impetus to the process of decolonisation on the continent and engendered a renewed sense of a common African destiny."

Ambassador Kesse told the packed hall that it was "therefore most refreshing that on this historic occasion of Ghana`s 50th Independence Anniversary, all of Africa is "liberated" and free from political domination.

"As we in Ghana celebrate that historic and momentous event, we are confident that all of Africa and all our friends throughout the world are also celebrating with us".

Ambassador Kesse observed that Ghana and Africa have made significant strides in both the political and economic spheres adding that there was no gainsaying the fact that "we still have to make greater strides in our search for total economic emancipation leading to better conditions of life for our peoples".

The Minister of State at the German Foreign Ministry, Dr Gernot Erler, who represented theGerman Government at the event said 6th March 1957 was a significant day not only for Ghana.

"When Kwame Nkrumah, the father of Ghana`s Independence, announced that Ghana was FREE - finally - this short, but big word echoed all over the African continent and beyond where people were standing up for self-determination and self-rule".

Dr Erler observed that 50 years ago, the people of Ghana lit a torch that became an inspiration and a guiding light for millions attempting to prise the shackles of colonialism.

He told his audience that Kwame Nkrumah was aware of the special role his country was thus about to assume adding that Nkrumah was not contented with what he had achieved for Ghana alone. "He did not forget the fate of his fello Africans, but strived for an Africa united in freedom".

Dr Erler drew wide applaus when he reiterated that Nkrumah`s "Pan-African visions are still up to date. Infact only nowadays, the African Union is discussing how to further evolve into something that Kwame Nkrumah dreamt of 50 years ago. One could say that the African Union is a kind of grandchild of the Union of African States that Nkrumah had conceived in the years after Ghana`s independence. )