Ghana today commemorates the 57th anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule.

President John Dramani Mahama will address a parade at the Black Star Square in Accra while similar parades will be held in all regional capitals and districts across the country.

This year’s independence day celebrations is on the theme, “Building a Better and Prosperous Ghana through patriotism and National Unity”.

Members of the security service, pupils from first and second cycle institutions and bodies are expected to participate in the anniversary parade across the country.

As citizens reflect about the country’s challenges and progress President John Mahama wants Ghanaians not to only ask for their rights but back them with responsibilities.

Speaking at the 2014 Independence Day Awards President Mahama hopes the theme for the Independence Day celebrations will help citizens realise the need to revive a sense of selflessness and nationalism.

President Mahama is asking all Ghanaians to come together and support the government in the quest to build the nation.

Meanwhile, Guinean President Alpha Conde will be special guest at Ghana’s 57thindependenceanniversary celebrations.Ghana’s historical relations with Guinea date as far back to the 1950s when the two countries established diplomatic relations. ”¨

The country became home to Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah after he was overthrown in the 1966 military coup.

There Dr. Nkrumah was elevated to the status of co-President of Guinea by the late Guinean President Ahmed SekouTouré.