Ghana Turns 55

Ghana today Tuesday 6th March, 2012 , marks its 55th Independence Anniversary with colorful parades across the country. A national parade of school students both primary and secondary as well as the Armed forces and other security outfits was held at the Independence Square in Accra and addressed by President John Evans Atta Mills.
Similarly, other parades took place at all the regional and district capitals, during which representatives of the President took the national salute and presented the Head of State’s Speech to the gathering. 

this Independence Anniversary is a historic occasion marking the event that ended 113years of British colonial rule and ushered the country into constitutional governance. Ghana however was the first black African country to gain independence on the 6th March 1957.  Dr Kwame Nkrumah was the first prime minister of Ghana and in his first speech said "Ghana, your beloved country is free forever"

The Duchess of Kent attended the ceremony and read a message from the Queen, in which she said "The hopes of many, especially in Africa, hang on your endeavours. It is my earnest and confident belief that my people in Ghana will go forward in freedom and justice."

In reply, Dr Nkrumah said: "My government fully realises both the advantages and the responsibilities involved in the achievement of independence. It intends to make full use of these advantages to increase the prosperity of the country."