The Ghana Embassy in Germany organised a reception in Berlin to mark the country`s 52nd independence anniversary which fell on March 6.

The event was attended by mandarins of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of the German Foreign Ministry, business leaders as well as a cross-section of Ghanaians resident in Germany. Addressing the assembled delegates, the Charge d`Affaires of Ghana Embassy in Ghana, Mr C. Nii Amon Kotey said the Independence Day was as important as it is historic “since it was on this day in 1957 that Ghana broke away from colonial domination and attained self governance” adding that “on that day Ghanaians decided to place the destiny of their beloved country in their own hands.”

He remided the assembled dignitaries that in December 2008, Ghana emerged from “one of the most closely fought but peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections in the history of the country,” stressing that “Ghana`s democracy and its institutions were tested to the utmost limit.

“Thanks to the Almighty God and the good people of Ghana, the closeness of the results between the two leading candidates, the sovereign will of the people prevailed.

“For the second time therefore, in the short period of eight years, one democratically elected government handed over power to another democratically elected government, demonstrating Ghana`s strong commitment to the principles of democracy.”

Ghanaians, observed Mr Amon Kotey, express their appreciation to their friends, partners and observers “who supported and continued to guide and assist us in our determination to consolidate democracy, good governance, respect for human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law.”

He said in addition to the political success, Ghana, and indeed Africa, have made significant strides in the economic and social spheres.

“Whiles we have chalked many significant successes, we have also experienced many challenges which continued to plague us putting severe strains on our resources and threatening the modest gains we have so far made on our achievements.

“In line with IMF`s Africa revision of growth forecasts from 6.4% to 6% in 2009, Ghana`s economic growth is expected to fall slightly as indeed the rest of Africa.”

The difficulties, he said would derive largely from the down-turn in revenues from commodity exports as was the case for almost all of Africa. Additionally, he said, there was growing concern that the modest growth successes could not be sustained because of the shortfall of direct investment levels as well as private sector foreign investment and aid flows as a result of the fall of economic growth in the advanced economies.

In the face of these grim realities, Mr Amon Kotey, in his well-received speech, placed on record “Ghana`s sincere gratitude to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for her continued support and assistance to Ghana`s efforts at sustainable development and the pursuit of democratic values and good governance.”

Germany, he said, has shown beyond doubt that “she is a true friend of Africa and the developing world in general. Indeed, inspite of the economic slow-down and problems at home, Germany continues to assure the developing world of her continued financial support towards the development efforts.

“Ghana holds Germany in high regard as a highly advanced country and an important development partner.”

It was in such consideration that Ghana`s former President, John Kufuor, paid a special farewell visit to Germany during his last days as President in August 2008. “It is our fervent hope and desire that the bonds of friendship and respect between Ghana and Germany would grow in strength for our mutual benefit.”

The Charge d`Affaires commended Ghanaians in Germany for their exploits and great achievements and admonished them to join hands with their compatriots elsewhere to build a better Ghana for the present and future generation.

A Berlin-based Ghanaian cultural group provided music at the reception.