Ghana and Angola on Monday November 10, 2025 reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic and developmental ties as both nations marked the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence at a colourful ceremony in Accra.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, international organisations and the Angolan community in Ghana.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, delivered a solidarity message celebrating Angola’s remarkable journey from liberation struggle to peace, stability and economic transformation.
Haruna Iddrisu extended Ghana’s “warmest congratulations” to Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and the people of Angola, describing the 50-year milestone as a testament to resilience and visionary leadership.
“Since gaining independence on 11 November 1975, the Republic of Angola has been guided by unwavering determination and has undertaken commendable efforts in building a peaceful and progressive nation,” he said.
The minister noted that Angola’s development trajectory evokes the ideals of early Pan-Africanists such as Ghana’s Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Angola’s Dr. António Agostinho Neto, whose shared dream was a united and prosperous Africa driven by indigenous innovation and cultural pride.
Highlighting the strengthening bilateral cooperation between Accra and Luanda, Iddrisu emphasised that relations have expanded in recent years across education, science and technology, oil and gas, tourism, arts and culture and media.
Key developments, he noted, include the signing of a multi-sectoral Memorandum of Understanding and follow-up visits aimed at implementing agreements reached during President Lourenço’s state visit to Ghana.
“These exchanges continue to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people bonds,” the minister added, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to deepen collaboration under the African Union, AfCFTA and the United Nations.
He stressed Africa’s growing youthful population and the need to generate jobs, foster entrepreneurship and expand trade to ensure the continent assumes its rightful place in global affairs.
Angola’s Ambassador to Ghana, George Chimbaweti Shall, delivered a powerful commemorative address, describing 11 November 1975 as a historic day that marked the “birth of a free and independent nation.”
“Independence was not just a political act,” he said.
“It was a cry of hope, a song of liberation and a triumph of a generation that believed freedom is a sacred right won through sacrifice.”
The ambassador reflected on Angola’s difficult post-independence years, noting the scars left by prolonged conflict but also the nation’s remarkable rebirth following the achievement of lasting peace in 2002.
“Today, Angola is a country at peace with itself, open to investment, active in regional diplomacy and committed to the ideal of a united and prosperous Africa,” he declared.
Ambassador Shall highlighted Angola’s contributions to mediation efforts in Central and Southern Africa, including support to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This vocation for peace is a natural extension of our own history, a history marked by adversity but defined by hope,” he said.
The ambassador praised Ghana’s role in Africa’s liberation movements, describing the country as “a source of inspiration” to many independence struggles, including Angola’s.
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