Accra, Aug. 28, GNA - The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Rajesh N. Prasad, on Monday lauded the relations between his country and Ghana describing them as traditionally warm and friendly. The High Commissioner, speaking at a cultural performance by Kathak Cultural Troupe of India at the National Theatre in Accra, said cultural interaction between the two countries had played a significant role in the strengthening of these ties.

"We thought it would be most appropriate if a cultural troupe from India could visit Ghana and perform in some of the cities during Ghana's 50th anniversary of its Independence celebrations."

The event was organised by the High Commission and the India Council of Cultural Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture in support of the Ghana@50 celebrations. Mr Prasad said visit of the cultural troupe was organised under the aegis of the Cultural Exchange Programme between Ghana and India and facilitated at the Indian end by the India Council of Cultural Relations.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of State, Chieftaincy and Culture, expressed appreciation at the collaboration with the Indian government. "The India community is highly commended for the immense support for cultural relations between Ghana and India and for helping to nurture the good seeds sowed by our two great leaders, Jawaharlal Nehru and Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah."

Mr Boafo noted that the cultural exchange between the two countries was renewed in 2002 during the visit of President John Agyekum Kuffuor to India.

The Kathak Dance Troupe led by a renowned Kathak dancer, Ms Shikha Khare has been in the country for the past five days and had earlier on performed in Kumasi and Sunyani.

The Ghana Dance Company also performed to display Ghanaian music and dance to their Indian folks and other foreigners.