Ghana at 50

I listened this morning on JoyFM to the 50th anniversary speech by Ghana's President Kufour. While I could have simply switched on my radio, it seemed somehow fitting to catch it via the Internet. National Public Radio had a live report as well for American listeners, which I caught via satellite.


Kwame Nkrumah, 1st President, at 1957 Ceremony

Accra is completely enveloped by an endless bolt of red, gold, and green cloth, quite marvelous to see, actually. Flags on cars, banners wrapped around trees, painted faces. Thousands gathered in Independence Square for the formal festivities. I hear Stevie Wonder will be in town to perform "Happy Birthday" later in the day.



The Government reportedly spent some $20 million to prepare for the celebrations. Not everyone's happy about that. Where one stands on Ghana at 50 seems to depend on where one sits. "Will the celebrations bring electricity to my village?" one young man asked me.

Hmm, maybe.

The country is growing fast (relative to its neighbors). Image is a factor in attracting investment. Lots of visitors will carry home impressions of pride, enthusiasm, and excitement.

"I'm very proud to be a Ghanaian!" said one woman interviewed by BBC in the crowd downtown. "This is a wonderful day," said another. "Ghana is seen as a rare African success story," BBC reports.


View of 50th Fireworks from My Bedroom Window