Accra, March 4, GNA - World Leaders have congratulated President John Agyekum Kufuor and the people of Ghana and also expressed their best wishes for the country in the coming years on the occasion of Ghana 51st Independence Anniversary which falls on March 6.

President George W. Bush of the United States of America, in his message said, "the ties between our two countries have never been stronger, as I was reminded during my recent visit. The United States intends to continue working closely with Ghana to foster peace, freedom and prosperity in the region."

His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, was optimistic that the friendly relations existing between Ghana and Australia will continue to develop in the years ahead.

He said, "as Ghana reflects on the achievements of its 50 years of independence and looks forward to elections this year, I wish you and your Government every success for the future".

In his message of goodwill to Ghana, the President of the African Development Bank, Mr Donald Kaberuka, expressed best wishes on behalf of the Bank's Boards of Directors and renewed the Bank's willingness to strengthen cooperation with Ghana.