In traditional splendor and national colors, Ghanaian-Canadians in Toronto thronged the Luna-Ballroom on Jane/Gordon MacKay Road to fete the 47th independence anniversary of the Republic of Ghana on the 6th of March 2004. 47 years ago, on this date in 1957, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah spearheaded a group of 5, undaunting to draw the then Gold Coast under British jurisdiction to attain ?Nationalism?.

The anniversary celebration drew member of African-Canadian and Caribbean communities in solidarity.

Overtures of Canadian and Ghanaian anthems were played to boisterous cheers from the audience. Reminiscent to those heard 47 years ago at the Polo ground in Accra, minutes later a vibrant youth group by name Pathfinder club ?scouts in nature of the Toronto SDA Ghanaian Church ushered in the two nationals flag.

This disciplined youth group treated the audience to a hilarious performance and Mr. Wilson Lagunju of 1st Capital Financial Corporation inspected the guard of honor.

The Ghana High Commissioner to Canada Mr. Odoi-Sykes delivered the keynote anniversary speech dealing solely with 2004 as the election year. Mr. Odoi-Sykes left the ball in the court of the electorate to track the records of main opposition NDC, which ruled Ghana for 2 terms and ruling NPP government that has been in power for only one term. The High Commissioner continued to say, that ?all said and done, Ghanaians are witness to the various developments in all Districts and regions of the country within the space of 3 years compared to the 20 years of (P)NDC?

As alleged by the opposition, NDC, of corruption against Kufuor?s government which the High Commissioner described as common placed these days, he emphasized the idea that corruption can be found in all human societies but that is no reason to do nothing about it in Ghana. He expressed confidence that December election will be free and fair.

Choristers from various Ghanaian Churches, the Adowa and girls of destiny groups entertained the audience with songs and dances.

The anniversary celebration was sponsored by Western Union (The Major Sponsors), 1st Capital Financial Service and Afro Beauty Supply. Also in attendance was The Mayor of Kumasi, Maxwell Kofi- Jumah who is on official visit to Canada.