By a happy coincidence, Ghana's newly appointed Ambassador Extradordinary and Plenipotentiary to Cote D'Ivoire, His Excellency Kabral Blay-Amihere presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Cote D'Ivoire, His Excellency Laurent Gbabgo on Ghana's Independence day, March 6, 2006 at a colourful ceremony in Abidjan.
Ambassador Blay-Amihere was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Esaaba Blay-Amihere and senior staff of the Ghana Embassy- Bridardier General R.O Sackey, Defence Attache, Mr. R.J. Cleland, Head of Chancery, Mr George Blankson, Minister-Counsellor and Ms. Divine Dzirisa, Second Secretary.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, President Gbabgo said that Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire are united by a common history and long-standing friendship and commended President John Agyekum Kufuor for his immense contribution to the peace process in his country.
Ambassador Blay-Amihere pledged to work towards increased bonds of relations between Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire.
"I owe it to the people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire to work towards closer relations between our two countries to ensure the well-being of our peoples", he said, adding that he viewed his accrediation to Cote D'Ivoire as homecoming since "my native village is a few miles from Abidjan and shares a common culture and language wirh several ethnic groups in Cote D'Ivoire".
Referring to the coincidence of the date of presentation of his letters of credence and Ghana's 49th Independence Anniversary, Ambassador Blay-Amihere spoke of Ghana's pledge at independence to contribute to the liberation of Africa and the commitment of President Kufuor's government to peace and development in the whole of Africa. Ambassador Blay-Amihere reiterated Ghana's total support for the peace process in Cote D'Ivoire
Later at a party organised by the staff of the Ghana Embassy for a cross-section of Ghanaians and friends of Ghana at the Residency to mark Ghana's 49th Independence Anniversary, Ambassador Blay-Amihere said that the Kufuor Government was undertaking many policies and programmes to ensure that Ghana's Golden Jubilee will showcase the successes of the nation at 50.
He announced that the Ghana Embassy in Cote D'Ivoire like other Ghanaian Missions will put in place an elaborate programme befitting the occasion next year.
