On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first country in Africa south of the Sahara to gain independence from colonial rule. Next year, 2007, marks 50 years of independence. A year-long activities marking the Golden Jubilee have been scheduled, beginning in January 2007 and ending in December 2007.  

Q. Why the need to celebrate Ghana’s jubilee anniversary?

A.  Jubilees have been celebrated since time immemorial to mark significant milestones. They have been used as occasions for reflection, restoration and reconciliation. Individuals, families, leaders, organizations, countries, etc. celebrate important events and milestones in their lives.

The occasion of Ghana’s 50 years of nationhood is a unique opportunity for national reflection and renewal of the intent and spirit behind the struggle for independence half a century ago. Despite our teething problems as a nation, we have arrived at a significant milestone and need to take the needed pause to re-awaken and ignite the intent and purpose of independence, with a determination to redirect our paths towards further success.

Ghana’s Golden Jubilee celebration in 2007 also presents an opportunity to market our beautiful country to the world.

Q. What are the main objectives of the anniversary?

A. There are three main objectives. They are:

• To celebrate and commemorate Ghana’s landmark achievement as the first country in Black Africa to attain independence from colonial rule;
• To reflect on the evolution, development, achievements and drawbacks of our country over the past fifty (50) years; and
• To look forward to the future, to our vision of excellence in all fields of endeavor in the next fifty (50) years toward, and to our centenary birthday as a nation state.

Q. What is the theme for the anniversary?

A. Championing Africa’s Excellence.

Q. What’s the significance of this theme?

A. Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, envisioned this country as the guiding light of African independence and solidarity -- the BLACK STAR, the lode star of Africa. Ghana’s attainment of independence and the subsequent ideological support it extended to other colonized countries on the continent, culminated in the emancipation of many of these countries from colonial rule. 

Both as a country and a continent, we have had more than our fair share of “growing up” pains since gaining freedom from colonial rule. However, there are definite signs that we have learned from our mistakes, wrong starts and difficulties from which we are still recovering.

The occasion of Ghana’s Golden Jubilee celebration will be used to consolidate our gains and enhance this country’s efforts at rejuvenation. Just as we provided the needed leadership for this continent’s emancipation from colonial rule half a decade ago, there is the need for Ghana to show Africa the way forward again and to move the continent from that of a problem-ridden site to that of possibilities and progress, and to realize its full potential in the world community.

Q. Is there any justification to celebrate the 50th anniversary in any grand style, considering the fact that Ghana does not have much to be proud of since nationhood?

A. Yes, there is a need to celebrate 50 years of our existence as a nation state, free from colonial rule and oppression and taking on the challenging responsibility of charting our own national path. Of course, we have made mistakes, we have had difficulties, we have fallen at times – but the important thing is that we have learned and will continue to learn from our mistakes; and even rise and thrive! We are making progress toward the realization of the ultimate vision of the initiators of our independence. The motivation behind the fight for independence has not changed. We have a lot of potential yet to be realized. The possibilities are endless.

The Golden Jubilee celebration is NOT intended to and will NOT be a frivolous national celebration featuring one huge national party. There will be no irresponsible and unnecessary excesses and wastage of scarce national resources.

Instead, the Golden Jubilee is seen, and rightly so, as an opportunity to embark on much needed social investment ventures that will not only re-tell the story of Ghana, but will ignite and regenerate our national vision, pride, dignity and passions. The much-needed projects, structures and monuments that will be built and the over-all cleaning and pruning that will be embarked on, are meant for today and tomorrow. They will serve the needs of our people today, and will be timeless and useful for generations yet unborn long after the celebration is over. They will hopefully, set the pace for a turn around for our country, leading forward to a better future.

These structures and monuments will help to properly position this country as a continental leader and the Gateway into Africa, and leave a lasting impression on the numerous visitors who will visit our dear country.

Q. What are the highlights of the celebrations?

A. Several events and activities have been planned, centered on twelve (12) monthly themes for each month of the year-long celebration.

The Golden Jubilee celebration will comprise of the rehabilitation of core infrastructure, especially principal venues and historic monuments, Sanitizing and sprucing up the country, execution of legacy projects, construction of public places of convenience, lectures/discussions, re-enactments, exhibitions of photo and cultural artifacts, musical concerts, carnivals, parades, fashion shows, children’s quiz shows; TV documentaries/films, interviews, newspaper/magazine publications; parades, fireworks, sporting events, etc.

Friends of Ghana, Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora, tourists, investors, Ghanaians abroad, Heads of State and governments, and indeed, the world is invited and welcome to visit Ghana and have a taste of our proverbial hospitality and share in our joys as we reflect on our past and look forward to where we would like to be in the next 50 years toward our centenary birthday.

Q. A year-long celebration will definitely entail spending a lot of money. How much has been budgeted for the celebration and who will fund it?

A. There will be two-sources of funding for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. These are:

• The Government of Ghana, which has earmarked ¢183 Billion (estimated at $20 Million); and
• Several corporate sponsors who have already expressed interest to support various activities and projects.

Q. Why is the Ghana Government going to spend such a colossal amount of money when Ghanaians seemingly live in poverty? Wouldn’t the money be better spent to e.g. alleviate poverty, improve the health care delivery system, education, roads, etc.?

A. Ghana’s Golden Jubilee celebration is not going to be an ostentatious or frivolous year-long national party that will waste money. Much of the money earmarked for the celebrations will be used to provide much needed facilities and projects that are relevant for the dignity and advancement of this country and the realization of the vision of the Founding Fathers of our nation. The investment will generate immediate and tangible benefits for today and the future of this country.

The facilities to be constructed are therefore consistent with the theme of the Golden Jubilee celebration: Championing Africa’s Excellence. Investing in major facilities will help tip the country toward its next level of development. All signs indicate that the country is currently poised to make an upward movement.

All over the world, commemorative occasions, such as jubilees, festivals, centenaries, hosting major events, etc. are used as opportunities to undertake projects for social regeneration. A few examples are:

• The 1st President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah built the Job 600, which now houses the seat of Parliament in preparation of Ghana hosting of the OAU Conference of 1965
• Flt. Lft. (Retired) Jerry John Rawlings, the immediate past President of Ghana, built the International Conference Centre, to host the Non-Aligned Ministerial Conference in 1991.
• Britain built the Millennium Dome to celebrate the turn of the century.
• Britain built the Underground Railway Station, the Jubilee line, to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
• Nigeria created a new township, the FESTAC Village, when it hosted the 1st World Black Festival of Art and Culture.
• Burkina Faso built a new township when it hosted the African Cup of Nations.

Q. What then are the facilities and projects to be built for Ghana’s Golden Jubilee celebration?

A. As a developing country, we do not have many permanent structures that befit our national pride and aspirations. The Golden Jubilee celebration, as well as the up-coming scheduled international events like CAN 2008 and the AU Summit in Ghana, present unique opportunities that will be used to embark on much needed projects in the areas of:

• Rehabilitation and development of core infrastructure, especially principal venues and historic monuments
• Sanitizing and sprucing up the country
• Protocol and hospitality facilities
• Legacy projects e.g. the Golden Jubilee Recreational Parks, Golden Jubilee Kindergartens, Obelisks in all Regional Capitals, Golden Jubilee Recreational Parks, Nkrumah Chair of African Studies, the Jubilee Greening Initiative (planting of trees), etc.
• Housing projects

Additionally, essential logistics will be procured for the celebrations.

Specifically, the projects will include:

• One hundred and forty (140) Golden Jubilee Kindergartens throughout the country
• Restoration of major tourist sites e.g. Atewa-Atwirebu Butterfly Sanctuary, Tafi Monkey Village, Accra & Kumasi Zoos, Aburi Botanical Gardens, etc.
• Improving the reliability of utility services
• Street lighting of ceremonial streets in Regional Capitals
• Sanitizing the national and regional capitals. This will include: constructing public sanitary facilities, de-silting drains, mass spraying of mosquito breeding grounds, etc.
• Construction and furnishings of 60 houses for use by Heads of state and governments attending the AU Summit
• Procurement of vehicles for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the AU Summit and other upcoming international events
• Decoration of principal streets
• Construction of tourist centers
• Rehabilitation of all ceremonial grounds and halls in the regions
• Training of tour guides and service providers
• Refurbishment of the country’s major landmarks e.g. the Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, etc.
• A nation-wide community-based tree-planting initiative to combat rampant deforestation dubbed “The Jubilee Greening Initiative”
• Publications on “Know our country series”

Q. Why purchase new vehicles and construct all these houses for Heads of State and governments?

A. Ghana is slated to host some major events in the coming years.

• For the 1st time in about 40 years, Ghana will once again play host to the Summit of the African Union in mid-2007. The Summit is expected to be attended by all fifty three (53) Heads of State of the member countries.
• Ghana will host CAN 2008.
• Ghana will host the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Conference later in 2008.

Additionally, Ghana is fortunate to be positioned in such a way that it easily attracts international attention.

• The performance of the Black Stars in the 2006 FIFA’s soccer World Cup raised awareness about Ghana world wide.
• The year 2007 marks the 200 years of the abolition of slavery. Millions of slaves were shipped from our shores to toil to build the New World. The majority of Blacks in the Diaspora rightfully, feel a necessary linkage to Ghana.
• Ghana is at the centre of the world.

Q. What’s your target in sponsorship money and assistance?

A. In addition to the estimated Twenty Million USD ($20,000,000) Supplementary Budget allocation for the celebration and the up-coming international events to be hosted by Ghana, assistance in cash and in kind will be accepted from individuals, businesses and the international community at large. At this point in our history, Ghana has the goodwill to attract significant help in the form of sponsorships from her friends.

Q. What do you hope to benefit at the end of the year-long Jubilee celebrations?

A. There will be numerous and priceless benefits to the nation through the celebration of this great milestone in our history. The benefits include, among others:

• Re-ignite a collective national passion and intent behind the struggle for independence and to bring about a renewed national pride and confidence;
• Reflect on our fifty years of national experiences, focus on the lessons learned, and re-chart a way forward toward increased success in the future;
• Facilitate increased investment and tourism, while consolidating the recognition of our country as the leader and pace-setter of Africa and the ultimate conference destination for West Africa;
• Showcase Ghana’s potential to the world through re-positioning our national niche and the re-telling of our own national story;
• The facilities, monuments, etc. to be built and/or rehabilitated will, at best, put the country’s best foot forward and give us much needed respect and dignity in the international community and as leaders of African liberation, progress and excellence; and
• The many projects and activities will create jobs for artisans, food vendors, professionals, etc.
• Re-awakening that Ghana is at the center of the world.

Q. Who will see to the successful planning of this elaborate anniversary celebration?

A. H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, the President of the Republic of Ghana, set up a National Planning Committee (NPC) of the status of a Cabinet sub-committee, to oversee the planning and organization of all official events and activities for the Golden Jubilee. The specific charge of the NPC is to:

• Organise events and activities throughout the whole of the anniversary year of 2007; and

Ensure that the celebrations touch every citizen in every part of the country throughout the year.

Q. How will the NPC implement the details of the anniversary celebration?

A. The NPC has established the Ghana@50 Secretariat and assigned it the task of seeing to the day-to-day execution of the anniversary plans and to facilitate the smooth implementation of the activities and events of the year-long anniversary celebrations.

The Secretariat has been in operation since May 2, 2006. The Secretariat is headed by Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby.  

The office of the Secretariat is located in the arch of the Independence Square.
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 1627, Castle, Osu
Accra, Ghana
Telephones: 233-21-662136; 662173
Fax:  233-21-662169
Email: info_ghana50@4u.com.gh; manager_ghana50@4u.com.gh