POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SOCIAL STANDING OR FINANCIAL POSITION – NEITHER A BARRIER NOR A TICKET TO GAIN ACCESS TO MISSIONS
H.E. Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK has stated that political affiliation, social standing or financial position was neither a barrier nor a ticket for access to Ghanaian Missions to discuss issues or seek assistance. He said the doors of the Missions were opened to Ghanaians and urged citizens of the country to feel free to visit and discuss issues of interest which would enhance the development of the nation.
These observations were contained in a welcome remarks at a forum held for the Ghanaian community in London at which H.E. Mr. J.A. Kufuor, delivered the key- note address and answered questions from members of the public.
The forum, the second to be organized by the Mission since 2001, was attended by over 1500 Ghanaians drawn from over 100 Ghanaian associations and groups in the UK including representatives of political parties.
The event, interspersed with the singing of patriotic songs and cultural dances, commenced with prayers by Rev. Francis Amenu, the Minister of the Ghana Ministry in London and the Chief Imam of the Ghanaian Community in London, Alhaji Ahmed Jumba. Libation was poured by Nana Kwame Adaakwa, Abesimhene.
Dignitaries present at the event included; Alhaji Mustapha Idris Ali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador D.K Osei, Secretary to the President, H.E. Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and his wife Mrs. Marian Osei; and Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner and his wife Mrs. Edith Baah-Duodu, and senior officials of the Ghana High Commission. Others were Mr Ampratwum Sarpong, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (UK), Nii Akomfrah, Chairman of the CPP (UK), Kwesi Dzirasa, Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (UK), and Imma Plahar, Chairman of the Ghana Union, London.
Reviewing the activities of the Mission during the past year, Mr. Osei said the Mission continued to participate in activities organised by the over 100 Ghanaian community associations and groups, sharing their vision and providing assistance where needed.
He noted that the Thursday surgeries conducted by the Mission had been popular and useful, and enabled officials of the Mission to meet and discuss a variety of issues, as well as offering advice and possible solutions.
He continued that as a result of better and efficient management systems put in place, many people had received their visas in a day or two while business visas were issued in a few hours on the same day. He pointed out that passport delivery schedule had also been shortened to a maximum of 14 days. Mr. Osei thanked the sponsors of the event especially Unity Link Money Transfer, the Express Funds Money Transfer, Timber Industry Development Division, London, Ghana International Bank and the First African Remittances Ltd. for their immense contributions towards the success of the event and added that their co-operation was an example of the public-private partnership that the NPP hoped would drive many sectors of the economy.
