At a reception in commemoration of the 62nd Independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Accra, the Hon. Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, who represented the Government of Ghana wished the Government and the good people of Nigeria a happy Independence and called for deeper relationship between the two countries.
He said after the attainment of independence by Ghana and Nigeria, the relationship between the two countries have been strengthened through technical and political cooperation, diplomacy and in the area of security.
“As we join you to celebrate this festive occasion, it is Ghana’s fervent hope that future independence anniversaries, will witness further strengthening of the continuous bonds of friendship that would forge closer collaboration on both bilateral and multilateral issues including the deepening of positive economic growth for the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
According to him, national days are important events in the calendar of countries and are celebrated to acknowledge past and present achievements whist collectively strategizing to implement new programmes in the years ahead.
He noted that although during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, gatherings such as this was banned, it is gratifying that many countries have been working strenuously to recover from the effects of the devastation and hoped that Ghana and Nigeria would consolidate their relationship to further work towards sustaining the welfare and the aspirations of their citizens.
‘It is also our expectation that Africa in general, would work together in the pursuit of our own vaccine development to enable the continent to equip itself and be ready to confront any future pandemics, since Covid-19 may not be the last pandemic,’ the Minister said.
Hon. Ambrose Dery wished Nigeria a peaceful and a successful general election scheduled to take place in 2023. He said it is Ghana’s prayer that the outcome of the impending elections would further consolidate democracy in Nigeria to enhance peace and socio-economic development for the people and beyond.
H.E. Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Ghana for the continued long-standing relationship between the two countries. He urged Nigerian citizens in Ghana to live in peace and coexist with their Ghanaian brothers and sisters for the benefit of all.