By; Rachel Kakraba
Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has paid glowing tribute to Ghana for the immense role it played towards development of Namibia.
She said during the independence struggle of Africa, Ghana was a consistent voice of support for freedom, which must not be lost on Africans especially the youth.
“Ghana became a consistent voice of support at all times at multilateral, for freedom and independence. At independence Ghana had one of the biggest contingent as part of the United Nations transitional assisted group in Namibia. One of the first graduates in independent Namibia came from Ghana.”
Mrs. Ashipala-Musavyi was speaking at an independence reception, of Namibia in Accra. It climaxed activities for the 33rd Independence Day celebration of Namibia.
The event was attended by high profile dignitaries such as Former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, MP for Korle-Klottey, Dr. Ezanator Rawlings, Daughter of Ghana’s first president Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Samia Nkrumah, Agbogbomefia of Asogli state, Togbe Afede, members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy as well as the Namibian community in Ghana among others. Namibia gained its independence on March 21, 1990.
As such it is marked annually to commemorate that historic day when the country became a sovereign state.
The Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, said the history of Namibia which is a product of international solidarity cannot be told without reference to Ghana.
“Let me emphasize that the history of Namibia cannot be complete without citing the support and assistance of Ghana”
She singled out ambassador Ebenezer Moses Debrah, for the leading role he played in the establishment of the Namibian Foreign Affairs Ministry.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Namibia was set up with the assistance of the illustrious son of the Ghanaian soil, ambassador Ebenezer Moses Debrah. I was one of his students and I shall forever remain grateful for having benefited from his tutelage.”
Mrs. Ashipala-Musavyi said Ghana has been instrumental in maintaining peace of the ECOWAS sub-region, which has ensured peace of the world.
“Without peace there cannot be development. Let me therefore commend Ghana for the decisive leadership provided in the maintenance of peace and stability in ECOWAS region”
She said the two countries have enjoyed cooperation over the years, adding they will explore other areas, such as culture and opportunities that come with the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Ghana and Namibia are two sisterly countries with excellent historic bilateral relations borne out of common sacrifice for the dignity of the African person both on the continent and in the diaspora. We believe that our bilateral cooperation and trade are solid building blocks in the Africa we want, being propelled by the African Continental Free Trade Area and other AU flagship programmes.”
Deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Thomas Mbomba, said collaboration between Ghana and Namibia has deepened trust between the two countries. He pledged commitment of Ghana to strengthen cooperation with Namibia.
“Ghana and Namibia have had very strong and fruitful relations both at the bilateral and multilateral level, since our two countries established diplomatic relations in 1990.Ghana continues to pledge solidarity to the government and people of Namibia and is committed to the common vision and desires to strengthen political, economic, trade, cultural and social cooperation between the two countries.”
He said Namibia has been resilient in achieving a robust economy, which is worthy of emulation.
“Namibia has been a country that has made steady advancement over the years to become one of the most competitive industrialized countries in Africa. It is therefore worth mentioning that Namibia’s resilience towards achieving a robust economy and ascerting itself as a relevant global player are indeed worthy of emulation.”
Mr. Mbomba, commended Namibia’s support within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area by importing the first consignment of Namibian beef to Ghana last year.
He therefore encouraged more Namibian investors as well as other foreign partners to invest in Ghana.
