A flag-raising and tree-planting ceremony was held at the forecourt of the State House on Monday, 11th March, 2024 to commemorate the 75th Commonwealth Day celebration in Accra on the theme “One Resilient Common Future”.

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong (MP), who represented the Foreign Minister, in his remarks reaffirmed Ghana’s active membership and commitment to the Commonwealth.

He further recalled that, “our shared history and common language have facilitated close cooperation on various fronts, from education and health to governance and economic development”.

He also took the opportunity to re-echo Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s bid for the position of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to be held on 22nd October 2024 in Samoa.

Ms Ayorkor Botchwey is seeking to be elected to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland, whose second and final tenure expires at the end of 2024.

The High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi, in a statement on behalf of the Commonwealth Chair in Office intimated that, the theme for this year’s commonwealth celebrations underscores the collective strength that enables the Commonwealth to confront and overcome present challenges, making it resilient and paving the way for a future where wealth is not just widespread but genuinely equitable.

The British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson, also delivered the King’s message on Commonwealth day at the event. She indicated that “the commonwealth family is strong when we are connected through friendship and that, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires. Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time”.

For his part, the Ghana Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Mr. John Apea delivered remarks on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC and noted “the need to work together to restore the natural world on land and ocean; to accelerate the transition to clean energy; to protect and empower women and young people; to transform the delivery of healthcare and education; to safeguard democracy, enhance justice, and build peace”.

As a precursor to the 2024 Commonwealth Day celebrations, a multi-faith church service was held at the Accra Ridge Church on 10th March, 2024.

The two events were attended by members of the diplomatic corps, students and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

Sompaonline.com