The members of the Ghana-Ireland Friendship Association (GIFA) based in Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, met the Ghanaian Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday 30th May 2007 at the Berkeley Court Hotel, in Dublin. The occasion was to welcome His Excellency Mr. Annan Arkyin Cato and his entourage to Ireland. Before the reception, Mr. Cato had presented his credentials to the President of Ireland Mary McAleese.

In his speech to address the colourful gathering of Ghanaians and Irish nationals at the Berkeley Court Hotel, His Excellency Mr. Annan Arkyin Cato thanked the gathering for the warm reception in welcoming him to the Republic. He highlighted on education as the only way forward for Ghana to becoming the ‘Celtic Tiger of Africa’. He encouraged all Ghanaians in Ireland to aspire for higher educational goals, and stressed the need for all of them to build confidence through these educational opportunities.

In his remarks, Mr. Mark Mantey the President of GIFA expressed his gratitude and appreciation on behalf of GIFA especially for the support His Excellency Mr. Cato, in collaboration with the Hononary Consul-General in Dublin provided them for the Ghana@50 anniversary celebration in Limerick. Mr. Mantey said in line with the objectives of the association, which are to promote educational and cultural cooperation between Ghana and Ireland, to integrate Ghanaians into Irish society, and to promote racial tolerance, GIFA will be knocking on his door and that of the consulate in Dublin in fostering closer cooperation between Ghana and Ireland.

The occasion was very special since it was the first of its kind and very motivating for the members of GIFA and the Ghanaian community as whole.