Accra, March 4, GNA - The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Horst Koehler, has congratulated the government and people of Ghana on the 53rd Independence Day, which falls on Saturday.

A statement issued from Germany on Thursday said: "On the occasion of Independence Day in the Republic of Ghana, allow me to offer you and the Ghanaian people my sincere congratulations and those of my fellow Germans. "This year the anticipated start of oil production will present your country with welcome economic opportunities. In common with all friends of Ghana, Germany is relying on the Republic to set the same standards in the use of this valuable resource as it has already established with respect to issues of politics and democracy. "I trust that Germany and Ghana will continue to work together closely in a spirit of trust on all political and economic issues." 4 March 10