Ghana turns 57 Today

Ghana marks its 57th Independence Anniversary today Thursday, 6 March, 2014 with parades across the country.

The theme for this year's celebrations is " Building a Better and Prosperous Ghana through Patriotism and national Unity".

President John Dramani Mahama will address a national parade of school children and Security personnel at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Ghana is the first black African country, south of the Sahara, to gain independence from Britain on March 6, 1957 with Kwame Nkrumah as its first leader.

Nkrumah envisioned the country as a guiding light in African independence and solidarity, the “Black Star” of Africa.

Observers the world over recognize the country's longstanding democratic civil rule since 1992, which also witnessed several transitional developments.

"Guinean leader, H.E Professor Alpha Condé, has been invited by President John Mahama to Ghana's Independence Anniversary in fulfilment of a desire to deepen existing relations with Ghana’s long-standing friendly neighbours," a statement from the Flagstaff House said.

"In Guinea, Dr. Nkrumah was elevated to the status of co-President of Guinea by the late Guinean President, Ahmed Sekou Touré. The widow of Guinea's first President, Mrs. Hadja André Touré, will be accompanying President Condé to Ghana."

Watch President Mahama's message on 57th Independence Day