Intro: Ghana became a sovereign republic in 1960, taking its destiny in its own hands. And 49 years on, Ghanaians share their thoughts of the day. Body: Ghana became a sovereign republic in 1960, taking its destiny in its own hands. The country then put itself in a position where it considered that support from its development partners had to be a mere adjunct to its own efforts. Forty-nine years on, as Ghanaians mark Republic Day, Joy News hit the street, to ask people what the day meant to them. While some were just happy to have another holiday to relax, others thought Ghanaians need to be more reflective. People Joy News caught up with and spoke to in the streets of Accra expressed various views. “We are happy because other countries do not have what we have. We have peace and security. We living by God’s grace,” was the view of a female hawker at Circle. “I see it as a special day but the nature of my work doesn’t permit me to go out with my friends,” a business executive told our reporter. For others economic difficulties in the country must get the government of the day to work harder to turn things around. “It’s good we are a republic but things are not going on well in the country. We plead with them to work hard to improve the economy,” Akwasi, a sugarcane seller said. Others also believe communities around the country must on such an occasion organise cleanup campaigns and other development programmes. “We have nothing to celebrate; we are in filth, we are in dirt; everything is in a mess,” Yaw Ampong complained. Meanwhile various events are ongoing around the city today. The popular Fashion Weekend is billed to be marked at the National Theatre. Ghanaian born Hollywood star Boris Kodjoe is also in the country to attend the event. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com