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Ghana to celebrate independence Ghana to celebrate independence
(30 minutes later)
People across Ghana are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence from Britain.People across Ghana are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence from Britain.
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to break with its colonial power, prompting many others to seek independence in the following years.Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to break with its colonial power, prompting many others to seek independence in the following years.
Just before midnight, parliament will hold a special session to re-enact the formal handover of power in 1957. Thousands of people are out on the streets to watch fireworks and to enjoy festivities across the country. Just before midnight, parliament will hold a special session to re-enact the formal handover of power in 1957.
This will be followed by fireworks and street parties with an estimated cost of $20m (£10.4m; 15.2m euros). The street parties and celebrations will cost an estimated $20m (£10.4m; 15.2m euros).
PridePride
Fifty years ago, in 1957, the Duchess of Kent formally transferred power to independence leader Kwami Nkrumah.Fifty years ago, in 1957, the Duchess of Kent formally transferred power to independence leader Kwami Nkrumah.
When you look at how our friends have suffered, by God's grace we are here, we have reason to be proud Nora Kattah Voice of Ghana's youthWhen you look at how our friends have suffered, by God's grace we are here, we have reason to be proud Nora Kattah Voice of Ghana's youth
On Monday evening, the Duke of Kent will mark the moment, which triggered a chain reaction as other African nations moved towards independence.On Monday evening, the Duke of Kent will mark the moment, which triggered a chain reaction as other African nations moved towards independence.
African leaders, including South Africa's Thabo Mbeki, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Olusegun Obasanjo from Nigeria, are attending the ceremonies.African leaders, including South Africa's Thabo Mbeki, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Olusegun Obasanjo from Nigeria, are attending the ceremonies.
In the capital, Accra, and beyond, the country's Black Star flag is fluttering from electricity poles, car windows and palm trees.In the capital, Accra, and beyond, the country's Black Star flag is fluttering from electricity poles, car windows and palm trees.
On the streets of city, many are celebrating. "When you look at how our friends have suffered, by God's grace we are here, we have reason to be proud," Nora Kattah told Reuters.On the streets of city, many are celebrating. "When you look at how our friends have suffered, by God's grace we are here, we have reason to be proud," Nora Kattah told Reuters.
DissentDissent
The country is often cited as an example of stability, steady growth, and low inflation, with increases in its output of major exports including cocoa and gold.The country is often cited as an example of stability, steady growth, and low inflation, with increases in its output of major exports including cocoa and gold.
Numerous African heads of state will be attending the celebrations
But others questioned the wisdom of holding lavish celebrations while many in the country remain without basic services.But others questioned the wisdom of holding lavish celebrations while many in the country remain without basic services.
"Politically our leaders have failed us," Accra resident Emmanuel Danso said."Politically our leaders have failed us," Accra resident Emmanuel Danso said.
"Only politicians or people who know people live well in this country," he added."Only politicians or people who know people live well in this country," he added.
President Jerry Rawlings, who ruled for almost two decades, has criticised the events and is boycotting them.President Jerry Rawlings, who ruled for almost two decades, has criticised the events and is boycotting them.
In a statement, he said he would not share a stage with "the same people who have taken every opportunity to denigrate us".In a statement, he said he would not share a stage with "the same people who have taken every opportunity to denigrate us".