UK’s Mark Lancaster in Ghana for three-day working visit

Minister of Armed Forces in the UK, Rt. Hon. Mark Lancaster is in Ghana for a three-day working visit, ABC News has gathered.

The purpose of the Minister’s visit is to deepen the long-standing partnership that Ghana and the United Kingdom share in terms of defence and security.

More so, this visit is to intensify the unflinching support that the United Kingdom has committed to Ghana in the wake of increased regional security challenges.

Portions of a statement released by the British High Commission in Ghana announced that, “his visit is reflective of the strong and enduring partnership Ghana and the UK share, reaffirming the UK-Ghana defence relationship, whilst reinforcing the UK’s strong commitment to Ghana at a time when heightened region security tensions are presenting challenges”.

Among the numerous activities slated during the visit, Rt. Hon Mark Lancaster will pay a courtesy call on the Vice President H. E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

During this meeting, the long-standing partnership between the two countries will be affirmed and the growing security threats Ghana faces will be discussed. Hon. Lancaster will emphasize the UK’s commitment to a strong partnership that enables a secure and prosperous Ghana and wider sub-region, and discuss the regional responses to the security challenges.

The Minister will also visit the headquarters of the Veterans Association of Ghana. There, a wreath will be laid in honour of the unknown soldiers who fought alongside the British Army during the Second World War.

“He will visit the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) Headquarters where, by laying a wreath at the monument of the unknown soldiers, he will reflect on how enormously grateful her Majesty’s British Government and people are for the contribution of Ghanaian soldiers who supported the British Army during the Second World War. He will take lunch with a number of Ghana’s veterans and Ghanaian ex- British Armed forces servicemen”, the statement revealed.

The Minister for Armed Forces will also visit the ECOWAS Zone F Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre to inspect some ongoing projects at the facility funded by the UK Government. His last destination will be to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre where he will take a tour to further understand the pivotal role the centre plays in the region.

Rt. Hon. Mark Lancaster will leave Ghana on 28th August 2019 to visit other West African countries.