9 March, 2012. Dubai.

The Ghana Consul-General to Dubai, Hon. Alhaji Abdulai Yakubu once again availed his residence as venue for the Ghana Community in Dubai (GhaCom) and the vibrant Ghana Social Club in Abu Dhabi (GHASCAD) to celebrate the Ghana Independence Anniversary on Friday.

The Guest Speaker was Hon. Mr. Ofosu Ampofo, Ghana’s Minister of Local Government. Earlier on 6th of March itself, the Consul-General hosted a Dinner for the Business Community and the Diplomatic Corps at the gulf’s icon, the World’s Tallest Building BURJ KHALIFA’s Armani Hotel Ballroom. In attendance was the Special Guest of Honour, the UAE’s Minister of Education H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qutami. Alhaji Yakubu took the audience through the history of Ghana from Independence till the present time. He appealed to the Business Community to head to Ghana, where democracy thrives, where hospitality is at its best, Ghanaians are very hardworkers, and the Government chalking remarkable economic growth. He announced to the audience that as from the last quarter of 2010, Ghana became the youngest member of oil-producing countries, and with Government commitment to the security of investors, Ghana should be their home. Alhaji Yakubu said the Government under President Attah-Mills has achieved growth that has surpassed all previous economic growth indicators and is currently at 14%, with Ghana being tagged as the fastest growing economy in the world. He noted that business between Ghana and UAE had so risen in the past decade, resulting in high-profile Government Officials’ visits, for which reason the need for the Consulate.

The Consul-General expressed his profound gratitude to the Consulars in Dubai who helped them so much when they arrived in Dubai almost a year ago to get the Ghana Consulate established. He was particularly grateful to the Consulate of Lebanon who is also the dean of Consul-Generals, the Consulate of Qatar, and the Consulate of Eriteria. Alhaji Yakubu thanked the Government of the Emirate of Dubai, as well the Federal UAE Government for granting the establishment of the Ghana Consulate. He assured them that with the presence of the Consulate here, activities of Ghanaians in UAE are being more correlated and Ghana Expats in the country would continue to be law-abiding and hardworkers as they are known to be. He paid glowing tribute to the Leaders of the various Ghanaian Communities for their assistance to the Consulate so far.

In Friday’s Celebration at Alhaji Yakubu’s residence, the over 300 Ghanaians from all over UAE together with guests from other African countries as well as India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan were treated to delicious Ghanaian dishes arranged through Gateway To Africa Trading by GhaCom and Ghascad.

Prior to his speech, the Minister of Local Government Mr Ofosu-Ampofo led attendees in singing the patriotic song “Oseeeeyie Ghana oo..” and then reminded Ghanaians to always live as one people. He exhorted them never to allow political affiliation to divide them because there is very little to achieve if we are ‘a divided people’. The Minister appealed to professionals to that the economy was on right track, so they should consider coming back home to ply their trades which will then lessen the hassle of Companies coming to Ghana, but which had to go to neighouring countries in search of some specific manpower skills. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo assured the gathering that President Attah-Mills and his government have committed to conducting elections in the atmosphere of peace, there will be no damage to life and property, and the declared winner in the elections will take office as normally done over the years, very peacefully.

The Anniversay Day Cake was donated by Mrs Yakubu. Prizes for the “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT GHANA” quiz contest were donated by Nescafe, Gateway to Africa, and Zulekha Ladies Hairdressing Saloon. Mr Franco Kankam was the special toast of the gathering as he thrilled them with up-to-date swerves in the Azonto dance.

Source: Emil Akoma

Picture shows Local Government Minister Ofosu Ampofo (Middle –white gown) delivering his speech. On his left is Consul-General Yakubu (in cap) and John Asante of the Ghana Community Advisory Board.