In just a week’s time, Ghana would be @50! The magic of March 6 is getting more and more infectious as people are getting into the groove of the celebrations. Remarkably, people are expressing more optimism and confidence as the penultimate day approaches.

ADM has been around the national capital and in spite of the bleats of the spoilsports like the group calling itself CJA, the overwhelming majority of people are looking forward to an enjoyable holiday. A woman at Osu told ADM that everybody or group should be allowed to celebrate the day as they wish, provided they do not interfere with the official celebrations.” That seems to be the spirit – tolerance – hovering over the celebrations.

In Tesano, where ADM offices are situated, a resident said all he was looking forward to was a good time and he actually did not mind if groups like the so-called CJA “also do their own thing if they can comport themselves and are not violent and abusive”.

Around the city of Accra, the national colours have sprung up everywhere, taking the entire facades of some public buildings. Private cars, government cars, trotros, taxis, motorbikes and ordinary bicycles are all sporting the colours. But perhaps what would be more heartwarming to the government is the roaring trade in spin-offs. Roadside vendors who would usually be hogging mundane things like dog chains have taken advantage of the nationalistic feeling in the air and are now flogging national memorabilia, and enjoying it deep in their pockets!

Meanwhile, the Freedom Flame which started its journey from the Upper West Capital, Wa, last week, is gradually making its progress to the national capital where it is expected to end its journey on March 5 2007 at the old polo grounds where the Declaration of Ghana’s Independence would be re-enacted.

The Freedom Flame’s symbolism is a call for reawakening and an inspiration to make the nation’s freedom meaningful by pushing Ghanaians to the highest limits in all physical, mental or spiritual endeavours.