By Hannah Dadzie
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, has asked Commonwealth countries to harness the power of technology and innovation to create more inclusive economies. This, he said, will respond to the evolving needs of member states and create more opportunities for future generations. Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 72nd Commonwealth Day in Accra, Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong also called on member states to promote peace and security, and uphold democratic values.
Each year, the Commonwealth and its members celebrate Commonwealth Day to renew the bond with the Organization, strengthen commitment to the Commonwealth values and re-energize the union. Marked with a flag raising ceremony and tree planting, the 72nd Commonwealth commemoration was centred on the theme “One Resilient Common Future’. This year’s theme underscores the collective strength that enables member states to confront and overcome present challenges, emerging with resilience. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong urged commonwealth countries to co-operate more to provide a common future for their citizens.
“The theme for this years celebration highlights how our 56 members states must harness our strength by building resilience, leveraging the Commonwealth advantage and fostering a connected digital Commonwealth. This transformation is vital to ensure a resilient common future where no one is left behind. Commonnwaelth has been instrumental in the development of its member states, particularly in Africa. As we raise the flag, let us continue to a advocate for a Commonwealth that continue to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of our member states. And we must remain united in our diversity. Let this year celebration symbolise our renewed commitment to these ideals and our collective journeytowards a brighter and more prosperous future,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong indicated.
The British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson on behalf of the Head of Commonwealth, His Majesty Prince Charles III reaffirmed her country’s commitment to create an enabling environment for commonwealth countries preparing for polls this year, to go through their elections successfully.
“As Ghana and several countries across our Commonwealth family prepare for elections, we are collectively committed to creating the conditions for successful and peaceful elections on December 7, as has been the case in previous elections in Ghana. Ghana is rightly proud of its democracy, which is one factor that makes this country such a strong member of the Commonwealth. The UK continues to support a wide range of Commonwealth initiatives, as the largest donor to many of the Commonwealth inter-governmental organisations and their programmes,” Mrs Thompson said.
The British High Commissioner said as members states look ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, countries should continue working together to build a future where every Commonwealth member can thrive. She commended Ghana’s efforts in the Commonwealth and urged all nations to find ways of healing and supporting one another.
“As King Charles said in his Commonwealth message: Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time. This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level,” She added.
The High Commissioner of Rwanda, Rosemary Mbabazi said the celebration of Commonwealth Day presents an opportunity for citizens pf Commonwealth to make their voices heard and contribute to forging a more equitable and sustainable world.
“In celebrating Commonwealth Day, we must take delight in the achievements and successes made over the years. At the same time, we must take stock of the challenges that lie ahead and strategize to confront them to create a bette and more resilient future for the next generation.” Mrs Mbabazi noted
As member states prepare to come together in Samoa for a Heads of Government Meeting later this year, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland in a speech read on her behalf by Head of Mission, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) John Obeng Apea is asking for a Commonwealth which is fit for the times we live in, stronger and capable of rising to the world’s challenges, innovating to seize new opportunities, and working together to shape a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous common future.
