Kumasi, Feb. 24, GNA - Hundreds of enthusiastic people in the Kumasi metropolis poured out onto the streets to catch a glimpse of the Freedom Flame, which arrived in the city from Sunyani on Friday. The crowd most wearing Ghana colours lined up on the streets, cheered and sang patriotic songs as the Flame passed in a convoy from Tanoso on the Sunyani road, where it was met by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel Owusu Ansah and other government officials through some principal streets in the metropolis.

This is the first time the Freedom Flame had been lit in Kumasi to signify the beginning of the celebrations of the golden jubilee. The Flame, which signifies freedom from darkness, was first lit by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana on March 6, 1957, when the country had its independence from the British. It had since then become a common feature in the celebrations of the country's independence anniversary but it had always been lit by the President in Accra.

Lightening the Flame, Mr George Osei, Marketing Manager of Spice FM, Takoradi based radio station, which initiated the programme, said the idea was to make the general public felt part of the golden jubilee celebrations by touching and feeling the Flame to bring a sense of belonging among the people.

He said the lightening of the Flame was to recapture the work the country's forefathers started as well as rekindle the passion of the people to fight for liberty.

Mr Owusu Ansah, on his part said the event had rekindle the patriotism in Ghanaians as was 50 years ago and signified that, the people had not only liberated themselves from colonial rule but also bad economy. He charged the people in the region to recollect what the forefathers did for the nation and rededicate themselves for greater achievements for the nation.

Madam Patricia Appiagyei, KMA Chief Executive, later presented the Flame to the Manhyia palace.

The Tepahene, Nana Adusei Atwenewapem the first, who received it on behalf of the Asantehene, pledged the support of chiefs to the development of the nation.