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Ghana, commemorating Commonwealth Day this year, has urged Member States to cooperate more with mutual respect and goodwill, to achieve a common future for its people.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said this, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, to mark the Day, which falls on the second Monday of March each year.
This year’s event is being watched on the theme: “Realizing a Common Future: Connect, Innovate, Transform.” Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey pledged, on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, the country’s continued commitment to the Commonwealth by fervently upholding Commonwealth values and reaffirmed the belief in the unique Organization as a powerful influence for the good of the world.
“Therefore, we hope that as we celebrate this auspicious occasion, we will cooperate more, with mutual respect and goodwill, to achieve a common future for our people. We are committed to a future that is clearly characterized by sustainability, peace, security, equity and inclusion, ”he said.
Ms Ayorkor Botchwey said that the theme for this year’s celebration was appropriate given the overwhelming challenges and threats to a promising and fulfilling future for unborn generations. “We cannot afford to be defenseless in the current situation we find ourselves in.
It is imperative that our constant efforts are geared towards helping each other with our deep-rooted network of friendship among Member States, to achieve some of the goals, including; protecting our natural resources and boosting trade through the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, ”he said.
“Our Commonwealth family remains an Organization that aspires to advance global sustainable development and help shape the world of tomorrow, while playing its leadership role in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He said that the relevance of the Commonwealth cannot be underestimated in contemporary times; affirming that the Commonwealth had stood the test of time and had championed the promotion of prosperity, democracy and peace, justice and human rights, the empowerment of women and youth, amplified the voices of small and vulnerable states , advocated for the protection of the environment in terms of the blue economy through his Blue Charter and climate change.
The Minister said that in addition to breakthroughs, the intergovernmental organization moved towards further promoting trade facilitation through the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda to boost trade between its member states and help address threats such as the debt, terrorism, corruption, inequality and racism.
“We are hopeful that with a common purpose through knowledge transfer, everyone can give and everyone can win,” said Madam Ayorkor Botchwey. He said this would lead to innovations that would transform lives and livelihoods to ensure inclusive progress and greater prosperity for all.
“On this note, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Ghana, I wish you all a happy and happy anniversary,” he said. “Long live Ghana, long live our Commonwealth and may it continue to be a driving force for positive change throughout the Commonwealth family.”
