Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey has reaffirmed Ghana’s belief in the Commonwealth as a unique organization with a powerful influence for the world’s good.
Ghana, she said, is committed to working for a more equal and hopeful future for the Commonwealth and for the world and looks forward to a future marked by fairness, peace, sustainability and security.
Ghana, today 14th March 2022, joins its counterparts from all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Americas as well as the Pacific and Europe, to commemorate Commonwealth Day.
Hon Ayorkor Botchwey in a solidarity message to mark the occasion said the day presents an opportunity to celebrate the friendship, spirit of unity and achievements of the Commonwealth.
“The Commonwealth, as known to all as the “Family of Nations,” has stood the test of time and has amplified the voice of small and vulnerable States, championed the promotion of justice and human rights, upheld the rule of law, empowered women, girls, and youth, as well as provided electoral assistance to countries, ensured good governance and advocated the protection of the environment in terms of the blue economy through its Blue Charter and climate change.”
“The theme for this year’s commemoration, in tandem with the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda, is centred on “Delivering a Common Future.”
According to her, this highlights how the Member States are innovating, connecting and transforming to help achieve goals such as combating climate change, promoting good governance, and boosting trade.
The Commonwealth family, she said is dedicated to improving technical cooperation, capacity building, technology transfer and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She said, “We are still grappling with the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our education, governance, finances, and public gatherings.”
“Thankfully, the development of COVID-19 vaccines has raised our hope of returning to normalcy within the shortest possible time.”
The Minister noted that while the challenges may seem insurmountable she said, “I know that as a Commonwealth family, though we may be apart, we stand together, united in purpose.”
“As we mark this day with 2.5 billion other members of the Commonwealth family, I would like to take this opportunity to pledge, on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, our commitment to the Commonwealth by fervently upholding its core values.”
“It may be recalled that on 6th February this year, Her Majesty the Queen became the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the realms and the Commonwealth.”
“I wish to congratulate Her Majesty the Queen for her dedicated and selfless services to the Commonwealth, as well as convey Ghana’s readiness to join the other members of the Commonwealth family to celebrate this historic milestone.”
“Long live Ghana, and may the Commonwealth continue to be a driving force for growth across the Commonwealth family,” she added.