Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Information and Media Relations on Friday stressed the need for Ghanaians to come together to foster national development.

Speaking at the official launch of Ghana’s 56th Independence Anniversary Celebrations in Accra, the minister said "we need to put aside our political differences and unite to develop our dear country Ghana."

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Partnership and Innovation for Building a New and Better Ghana”.

Mr Ayariga said the theme was not only relevant but very refreshing if Ghanaians recalled the thought-provoking statement President Mahama made on the day of his official inauguration on January 7, 2013.

“On that day, among other things, the President pronounced that not partisanship but partnership shall be the formation in which we shall march forward in our effort at national development," the Minister recalled, saying that on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the country's independence "Let us use the theme partnership and innovation to build a better and new Ghana for ourselves and our children’s children.

“There is a proverb which says the cock says even though they are fighting, they are watching each other’s eye. So you can see that two cocks can fight from morning to evening and tear each others' combs into pieces, but they will never pinch their eyes,” he said, and urged Ghanaian politicians to learn a lesson from the cocks.

Mr Ayariga said, "Our forefathers sacrificed their lives to obtain independence for us; we must also endeavour to do our best to leave a better nation for posterity.

“Again, as the theme for the occasion implies, things have changed since 56 years and there is the need to inject innovation in doing things as against how they were done 50 years ago."

He commended members of the National Planning Committee for their efforts and creativity that culminated in the entire programme for the anniversary, saying that no task was too small and that it was only through dedication that Ghanaians could achieve anything as a nation.

The two-week celebration would kick off with a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, Christianborg Crossroads Shooting incident on Thursday, February 28 at the Castle Junction.

There would also be Muslim Prayers on Friday, March 1, as well as Seventh Day Adventist Prayers and national clean up exercise on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Other major events would include Christian prayers and special 'What-do-you-know' competition on March 3.

Finals of schools debate on March 4; President's Awards on March 5 at the Banquet Hall and on March 6 there would be a parade of security personnel and schools.

In the evening of March 6, Ghana Actors’ Guild would re-enact the declaration of Independence at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park at 1800 hours.

On March 7, there would be an Open Day by the Ghana Armed forces at all military garrisons across the country. There would also be nationwide Muslim and SDA Prayers and Thanksgiving on March 15 and March 16, respectively.

Sunday, March 17 would be National Prayers and Thanksgiving Service Day at the Black Star Square and in all regional and district capitals.