Thousands cheer as Ghana celebrates 50th

ACCRA, Ghana -- Thousands of cheering Ghanaians waving the red, yellow and green national flag packed a central square in the capital on Tuesday to celebrate the 50th birthday of the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to win independence.

Accra's Independence Square was transformed into a sea of fluttering flags as excited crowds of citizens joined invited dignitaries to celebrate the March 6, 1957, anniversary of the end of British colonial rule over Ghana.

The freedom 50 years ago of the former Gold Coast colony under charismatic nationalist Kwame Nkrumah triggered a wave of independence movements that transformed Africa from a largely European-ruled continent into a constellation of new states.

The crowds in Accra, many of them wearing national colors, had partied through the night. They jostled for a glimpse of arriving dignitaries, including several African heads of state.

Traditional chiefs dressed in ceremonial robes and sheltering under ornate umbrellas were among the guests.

"I wanted to see how Ghana is celebrating its 50th anniversary and how people are patriotic," said 12-year-old Kasiteh Adu, a Ghanaian flag wrapped around her waist.

But while people celebrated Ghana's status as one of Africa's most stable democracies, many said more needed to be done to fulfil the dreams of founding father Nkrumah.

"There is still a lot of poverty. We have a lot of unemployment, especially the youth. Many Ghanaians travel abroad to find their daily bread. Some die in the desert traveling to Europe," said Francis Nimo, 21, a electricity company employee.

In the square, a group of children dressed in white held black stars, the symbols of independent Ghana.

Dancing in streets Overnight, thousands of Ghanaians had danced in the streets of Accra to the sound of music blaring from loudspeaker trucks.

Some watched a re-enactment of the midnight declaration of independence, and a fireworks display.

Singer Stevie Wonder was due in Accra this week to sing a special version of his hit "Happy Birthday" dedicated to Ghana.

Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo was billed as guest of honor at the ceremony on Tuesday attended by Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, along with Britain's Duke of Kent and black American politician Jesse Jackson.

"The independence of Ghana was a landmark event with global impact. They said the sun would never set on the British empire and Ghana was a huge blow to British colonialism," Jackson told Reuters.

"I came specifically for the 50th anniversary," said Nigerian oil worker Norbert Abaa Umahi, 38. I am part of a brotherhood of Africans (and want) to celebrate such milestones."

After a checkered history since independence in 1957, punctuated by a spate of military coups, Ghana has emerged as one of Africa's most respected democracies.

But the celebrations have not been without controversy.

Former President Jerry Rawlings, who led two coups and ruled for nearly 20 of Ghana's 50 years of independence before stepping down in 2000, did not attend.

Rawlings, a vocal critic of President John Kufuor's administration, has criticized the government for refusing to acknowledge his contribution to Ghana's development.

Many ordinary Ghanaians have questioned the decision to spend $20 million on the year-long commemoration.