Accra, March 06, GNA - The congregation at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church at Sakumono Estates on Sunday gave Ghana a Happy Birthday gift when worshippers sang the National Anthem at mass to mark the country's 48th Independence Anniversary.

Rev Fr Fred Agyeman, the Parish Priest, told the congregation ''today is our country's birthday, so let us rise and sing the National Anthem'' and worshippers, led by their priest, sang ''God Bless our Homeland Ghana'' flawlessly.

The priest then blared out ''Three Happy Cheers for Ghana. Hip, Hip, Hip'' three times to which the congregation responded ''Hurray'' thrice.

''It was very emotional and I enjoyed it. Although most of us have not sang the National Anthem for a long time almost all the worshippers were at home with it. The atmosphere was good and it was an opportune time to remind people to be patriotic,'' said Mrs Helena Koblah, a parishioner.

A retired military officer who wants to remain anonymous told the National Anthem would be sung more often. We have to be patriotic. '' Rev Fr Agyeman prayed for peace and prosperity, reminding the congregation that people had fought and died for the country so it was the responsibility of the present generation to strive to preserve its unity and stability.

''It does not matter where you find yourself, your contribution is very important,'' he said.