Accra, March 6, GNA - The Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS)has congratulated Ghanaians on its 51st independence anniversary celebrations and urged the citizenry to contribute to the development of the country.

A statement signed by Mr Patrick Ayittah, President of GUPS in Accra said, "The union recognises and commends individuals, groups and organizations whose various and several efforts have brought the country this far."

The union said it was impressed with the numerous development strides that had been made in education over the years pointing out government educational policies. "It is worthy of mention that the crucial attention that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has paid to education, both infrastructure and curricular development, shows some level of the government avowed commitment to the people of Ghana and the nation as a whole."

The statement said the adherence of the rule of law, sensitisation of the people to their rights, peace and stability, among other things, were all elements of governance. Meanwhile MTN, one of Ghana's leading telecommunication networks has also extended its felicitations to the government and people of Ghana as the nation celebrates its 51st Independence anniversary. MTN recalled the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrated last year, which brought Ghanaians together, strengthening the bond of unity and purpose of the nation.

"This period marks the occasion when Ghanaians are reminded to take their destiny into their own hands with a determination and a "Can Do Spirit" to ensure freedom and Justice and economic prosperity for the citizens. MTN said it shared the continuous determination of Ghanaians to work and improve the well-being of the people and the position as an economic hub of Africa. "We are proud of our association with this great nation, which through the forbearance, fortitude and tenacity of purpose of its people, blazed in the independence trail on the African continent," said Brett Goschen, CEO MTN.

"Our goal is to establish a world class mobile telecommunication services in Ghana and we will do everything to achieve this in the shortest possible time," the CEO added. MTN reiterated its commitment to work with the government and people of Ghana to enhance socio-economic development through its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. It further urged Ghanaians to continue to show the world that Ghana was capable of championing African excellence.