50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE INAUGUARATED IN COTE D'IVOIRE

Ghana's Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire, Kabral Blay-Amihere has inauguarated a 17-member 50th Independence Anniversary Planning Committee in Abidjan. The Committee under the chairmanship of Mrs Jennnifer Ackah is to assist the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan to plan and execute activties to mark Ghana's 50th Indepedendence celebration next year. Other executives elected by the Committee are Mr. Kofi Yankson(Vice-Chairman), Mrs. Ginette Mensah(Secretary) and Madam Milicent Nketsiah(Vice Secretary).

Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Blay-Amihere said that Ghana's independence on 6th March, 1957 was a an important milestone in African history and the lives of black people everywhere and deserved to be observed and celebrated in a befitting manner by Ghanaians and Africans. "March 6, 2007, should serve a day for all Ghanaians and Africans to pay tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of Ghana and all those who fought for our independence from British rule", he added.

According to him, Ghana in spite of its chequered history will be celebrating its 50th anniversary from where it began-a multi-party democracy, true to its motto of freedom and justice. Ambassador Blay-Amihere said that whilst Ghana has not won its total economic independence,indicators on the ground show that it has become a model in good governance and economic development for the whole of Africa.."We have every reason as a country and a people to celebrate our first 50 years", he said

Ambassador Blay-Amihere said the theme for the celebration-THE NEW GHANA: CHAMPIONING AFRICAN EXCELLENCE- should serve as an impetus for all Ghanaians to strive towards a greater Ghana, adding that the occasion will not only be a time for celebration but most importantly, a time for deep reflection on the way forward for Ghana and its people.

According to him, the policy of the Kufuor Government is to use the celebration as yet another opportunity to unite Ghanaians all over the world, hence the charge to all Missions abroad to draw up all-inclusive participatory programmes for the celebration of Ghana's 50th Independence Anniversary. The Ambassador urged the Planning Committee therefore to come out with a programme that will allow the large population of Ghanaians in Cote D'Ivoire and other Africans to participate in the celebration.

The chairperson for the Committee, Mrs. Ackah on behalf of her colleagues thanked the Ghana Embassy for involving the Ghanaian community in the planning stage of the 50th Anniversary Celebration and pledged that the Committee would work tirelessly to make the event a success.

"It is indeed a big honour for all of us to be asked to help keep the Ghana flag flying". she said.