Mr. Speaker, the 1950s and 1960s brought about significant changes to Africa when many countries established their independence.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the first of these events started in the early months of 1957. As the result of a UN-sponsored plebiscite, a new country was formed in West Africa by the merger of the British colony Gold Coast and the British Togoland trust territory. On March 6, 1957, this territory became Ghana, and this month, March 2007, marks the 50th anniversary of its independence.
With a vibrant population of approximately 21 million, Ghana is a country known for its effervescence and is a model for political and economic reform in Africa.
On behalf of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, I wish Ghana and its population peace and prosperity. I also take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to Canadians of Ghanaian origin who add, by their very presence, to Canada's socio-economic fabric.