So soon another year has come to usher Ghana into 51 years of Independence. On behalf of the Ghana Mission in the United State of America, Washington DC, I wish all fellow Ghanaians a very happy anniversary. This is a period for quiet but serious assessment of our stewardship.

Though we at the Washington Mission, are not marking the day with any official event, we solemnly view this period as a time of sober reflection; reflection on our achievements, our failures, our aspirations and hopes. Indeed, reflection on our vision that will spur us on as a vanguard Nation with a mission in the proactive world of today.

Looking back, from the beginning of our national journey, Ghana has come a long way to attain these coveted heights, in the sub region, and the entire continent of Africa.

One event that accelerated the wheels of our self governance is the February, 28th 1948 event. Exactly (60) sixty years ago, the late Sgt. Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey got killed by the colonial police at the cross-roads of Osu Castle, while leading a justifiable peaceful march to present a petition to the then Governor of Gold Coast, over inadequate gratuity which was paid to World war 2 surviving soldiers. The Big Six founding fathers also of blessed memory were spurred on by this crisis to agitate for self government which culminated in what we are enjoying today- Independence.

As a nation we have had our ups and downs. We cannot but to remember Osagyefo Dr.Kwame Nkrumah, Dr J.B. Danquah, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia , and other gallant men and women whose toil and blood won us this freedom. In the immediate present, we cannot forget the good governance and dynamic administrative acumen of the present Government under the able leadership of President John Agyekum Kufuor that has made us so visible on the world map of democracy, development, trade and commerce. Weighed on the scale of achievements, Ghana has been blessed with patriotic leaders who have strategically brought the country this far.

This year's celebration indeed is hopefully marking the beginning of our cherished vision of a middle income economy. A healthy and positive rush to invest in Ghana has suddenly caught up with us. Both Foreign and Diaspora Investors are flooding our shores. Our golden jubilee gift of oil by providence has been buttressed by huge commercial discovery at different locations in the Western Region. We cannot help, but to repeat the recent tour of President G.W. Bush, jnr. that brought in its wake to Ghana, the gains of development aid of $55 million, $ 350million fund over five years to provide integrated treatment of diseases, and $547 million anti poverty aid package. All these many windfalls have a sobering effect that call for reflections - counting our blessings.

In his message of congratulation, on this occasion, President Bush has expressed the intentions of the USA to continue working closely with Ghana to foster peace, freedom, and prosperity in the region of Africa.

As messages of good will are sent us to commemorate our Independence, we need to remain focused, galvanizing our efforts with a common front, as we get ready to choose our next leaders in a peaceful atmosphere. Long live Ghana, long live Ghanaian-Diasporans, long live Ghana - USA bonding. May God Bless us all, Afrihyiapa!!!.