Nana Akomea, Ghana's Minister of Information has called on Ghanaians to assist in translating the country's political independence into economic reality.

He said that although political independence freed us from the yoke of colonialism, the nation was still grappling with how to 'transform this freedom into social, cultural and economic independence'.

The Minister made the comments at a special Independence Family Celebration in commemoration of Ghana's 47th independence anniversary at the plush Hilton Metropole Hotel in London organised by I.G.I.C. UK and Kelewele productions.

The theme of the well-attended event, which drew Ghanaians from all walks of life including chiefs, opinion leaders, representatives of political parties and friends of Ghana was "the meaning and relevance of Ghana's independence to Ghanaians in the Diaspora in a globalised era"

Present at the event were Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana=92s High Commissioner to the UK and his wife, Mrs. Marian Osei, Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner to the UK and his wife, Mrs Edith Baah-Duodu, Hon. John Mahama, MP Minority spokesman on Communications and Director of Communications , of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Others were Professor Ian Hull, a former music tutor of the Achimota Secondary School, Nii Akomfra, Chairman of CPP, UK & Ireland, Mr. Francis Dakura of the Union of Northern Ghanaians UK and Ireland Mr. Alex Segbefia, Chairman of NDC, UK and Ireland.

The large gathering was sent into frenzy with a vivid re-enactment of the Independence Declaration in 1957 by the Ghana Actors Guild led by Mr. David Dontoh

The programme was interlaced with performances by Mr. A.B. Crentsil, King David and Batman of "Aaye Fe Notse" fame, the Bloomsbury theatre brass band, the British Dance School of Excellence, the Utopia Band and the Ebe Jama African Arts Entertainment group.

Also in attendance was Wang Yu , a Ghanaian acrobat based in the UK who thrilled the crowd to amazing displays.

The large gathering was sent into frenzy with a vivid re-enactment of the Independence Declaration in 1957 by the Ghana Actors Guild led by Mr. David Dontoh

Nana Akomea paid glowing tributes to all the patriots who lost their lives in the struggle for independence and gave the assurance that the NPP government would continue to do all in its power to ensure the enjoyment of the freedoms envisioned by these patriots.

Reflecting on the country's chequered political history over the past 47 years of nationhood, the Honourable Minister observed that democracy remained the best form of government for Ghanaians because =93 any time we the people of Ghana are given the chance to make a choice we always go back to democracy=94

" Democracy has given us the best form of political leadership that will enable us transform the enormous potential of our country for the benefit of our people," declared the Minister Information.

The Minister conveyed the warm felicitations and the best wishes of the President of the Republic of Ghana to Ghanaians living in the UK on the occasion of the country's 47th anniversary.

Nana Akomea observed that Ghanaians abroad had become a pillar of strength for the developmental process as evident by their level of their remittances and expressed the hope the contribution of Ghanaians living abroad to the national economy would continue to grow.

He announced that government of Ghana would reciprocate the gesture by working fervently to enfranchise Ghanaians living abroad to enable them participate in the democratic process in the not too distant future.

The Information Minister commended the organisers for their courage and vision in putting together the programme which he described as a innovative way of strengthening unity and brotherhood among Ghanaians in the UK.

On his part, High Commissioner Osei said Ghanaians should continue to remember all the founding fathers and other nationalists notably like Nii Kwabena Bonne, Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Nii Odartey Lamptey who lost their lives in the fight for independence.

"The independence celebration is also a time to reflect soberly on our efforts at nation-building over the 47 years so that we could forge ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and hope," said the High Commissioner.

He added that "democracy remains the best form of government because it releases the collective energies of the people for the development of the country.

"It is when we strive to maintain good governance that our citizens could enjoy the prosperity and development that democracy brings" said Mr. Isaac Osei.

Hon. John Mahama said that Ghana was on the right path and was confident that the country would "soon surmount its problems if it applies itself more stringently to the democratic journey that it has chosen".

He noted that the message of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's independence declaration "enjoins us to manage our affairs efficiently to show to the world that we are capable of managing our own affairs".

He stated that the Ghana, which was the first black African country south of the Sahara to attain independence, was also currently in the forefront of leading Africa back to democracy and good governance.