Diaspora News of Saturday, 28 January 2017

Source: Ghana High Commission, Windhoek

Goodbye Mr. President

The outgoing High Commissioner of Ghana to Namibia, Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, MOV, has said farewell to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob and the First Lady Monica Geingos. At separate meetings at the State House, he informed them about the end of his tenure and his recall to base.

The President congratulated Ghana for the peaceful transition after a successful election and said Ghana continues to be an example for Africa – a symbol of hope and pride. He recalled the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and how it inspired the spirit of decolonization all over Africa. Ghana, he said, was the first to gain independence and Namibia the last. He noted with satisfaction the ever growing closeness of the two countries and hoped for even stronger ties in the future. He commended the High Commissioner for being a catalyst in that growth.

The High Commissioner briefed him on a number of initiatives taken by the High Commission to strengthen and enhance the two countries’ bilateral cooperation in education, air travel, fisheries, environment, SME development and many other areas within the context of the Ghana-Namibia Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation signed this past November. He thanked the President and First Lady for their warmth towards him during his tenure often going beyond the confines of formal diplomatic etiquette. He presented a Ghanaian smock to the President as a farewell gift.

The First Lady also remarked on the peaceful transition and said it was a proud moment for Africa. She wished the departing envoy well and said he should regard Namibia as his home where he will always be welcome. He presented copies of his daughter’s novels to her as his parting souvenirs.

Issued by Ghana High Commission, Windhoek