The UK Secretary of State for International Development, Clair Short, has noted that the hard work coupled with social and economic justice taking place in Ghana now is creating better chances and great prospects for the next generation of Ghanaians.
She said all indications in Ghana and Africa in general point to total socio-economic liberation of the people of Africa. She observed that many African countries have emulated the economic as well as the social development programmes and policies of Ghana and are making a heard way.
Addressing a cross-section of Ghanaians at a reception at the British House of Commons, the Secretary of State was of the view that the present leadership of Ghana has a lot to offer the people by way of good governance. The meeting was at the instance of the Member of Parliament for Tottenham Mr. David Lammy in recognition of the immense contribution of Ghanaians in his constituency towards the socio-economic activities in the constituency.
It is estimated that over 200 thousand Ghanaians are living in Tottenham, in the Northern part of London, more than any other community in London. It is also the oldest settlement of Ghanaians in London..
Madam spoke in glowing terms of the relationship between Britain and its former colony and noted that such a relationship is an envy of many, and stressed the need to deepen it and make it more profound. According to her, Ghana is at the fore front of good governance and is showing to the world that it has actually embraced what it takes to improve the lot of its people.
Claire Short who preferred to be called Nana Ama Attaa III in the Ghanaian parlance re-iterated Ghana’s distinguished hospitality adding that as the first of Britain's African colonies to attain independence, Ghana made a unique impact on a generation of post-war Britons, who were impressed by the easy-going Ghanaians, their exuberant nature and their striking appearance in their traditional dress. Their distinctive highlife music also caught the imagination, she added.
She pledged her country’s support and assistance towards Ghana’s fight for economic and social justice.
The Secretary of State for the Treasury, Mr Paul Boateng, observed that Ghanaians living in the UK have now been integral part of the country due to their hard work and the exuberance as well as high level of commitment that has contributed enormously towards growth of the country. He expressed the joy of seeing Ghanaians at almost all spheres of human endeavour in the UK and called for transfer of resources and skills back home to help move Ghana forward.
Mr Boateng, himself a Ghanaian, stated “ the new wind of democracy and good governance blowing through Ghana now is a challenge to all of us. Our future is determined by what we do today and each one of us has something to contribute.” He noted with satisfaction the level of commitment by the Prime Minister of Britain, the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for International Development towards the development of Ghana.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Isaac Osei said the recognition of the good works of Ghanaians by high senior and government figures in the UK should spur them on and make the illustrious and defined properties of the Ghanaian be exhibited everywhere.
He announced that his out fit is working out plans to get the Ghanaian community a licensed radio station to help in the dissemination of information.
