Vera Kwakofi BBC African productions producer

I was born in the port city of Tema just outside of Accra on 4th March 1976 so in some ways I count myself as an independence baby.

Do you identify yourself as Ghanaian or African or by some other marker?

I identify myself as Ghanaian and African - in that order. Especially because living in the UK, I find that asserting my identity and making sure that everyone else recognizes and accepts it too, is important to me in an environment where you find sometimes that you are just another black face amongst the hordes. I want them to know that I'm special.

Ghana is celebrating 50 years of independence. What do you think is the country's best gift to the world?

Its people - all the Ghanaian brains and skills that have built economies, industries, healed people and brought joy to many around the world. There are many Ghanaians in responsible positions using their talent to make a difference – shame it's not being done at home but maybe someday that will change.

What does the day of the anniversary mean to you?

It especially reminds me of the opportunity that we have lost as a nation to be truly great. Considering the start we were given by Nkrumah – an industrial base that was diverse, a power-generating plant and prospects for more, education and skills training.

Ghana today is about corruption, greed, the culture of impunity and the lack of regard for the ordinary man and that saddens me. It's hard to see the goodness sometimes.

However, I have faith in the future, the resilience of Ghanaians and their passion to build a better future that the last 50 years have given.

Who is your Ghanaian hero and why?

A Ghanaian hero - Ama Ata Aidoo  She opened up a new world to me when I first read her books in secondary school. BBC's Vera Kwakofi

There are so many but I'll say Professor Ama Ata Aidoo – the famous writer. She opened up a new world to me when I first read her books "Dilemma of a Ghost" and "Anowa" in secondary school.

She started me on the path to loving books – especially African writers and theatre through her plays and it's been one of my dreams to write for theatre.

How often do you visit home?

I try to go once a year but sometimes that's not possible - much to my mum and dad's dismay - but I do try. The longest I've been away has been 18 months.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive?

Eat Ghanaian food – I actually go through the list and make sure I've had some banku and okro, grilled tilapia, kenkey and fish, jollof, waakye, red red and so on, at least once before I leave. It's like stocking up on all the goodness.

Where is your favourite place to be when you are in Ghana?

At my parents house of course but I make it to the beach as well to see all the white sand and warm atlantic ocean waves – just beautiful.

What do you always bring back to London from your trips home?

Roasted peanuts and of course Golden Tree chocolate – the best in the world in my book.

What football team do you support back home?

I don't follow any of the league teams but I am a rabid supporter of the national teams – Black Stars, Black Meteors, Black Satellites and the Black Starlets.

What is the best thing about being Ghanaian?

The respect people have for us and our achievements. Every generation, through thick and thin, we manage to produce talented men and women who raise the flag high and get us noticed around the world. Long may it continue.