Ghanaians in Dubai, and for that matter the United Arab Emirates had a special 54th Ghana Independence Day in 2011 at the Zabeel Park, Dubai on Friday March 4. For quite some time now, the Ghana Community has been pressing on the Ghana Government to set up a Consulate in Dubai. This even resulted in the Community delegating Mr Emil Akumah to present their petition, countersigned by over hundred Ghana-Dubai-Ghana Traders, to former President Kufour in November 2005 in Accra.

Finally for Ghanaians, the Government has honoured this and the Consulate is now granted. Mr Davidson Rich-Agoe, the President of the Ghana Community, Dubai, welcoming the new Consular Officer Mr Abdulai Yakubu, his Deputy Mr Anthony Kutteng and other officials Rebecca Anti and Theresa Adzo Quartey to the Zabeel Park Independence Day Picnic, paid tribute to the efforts of past and present leaders and members of the Ghana Community. He reminded Ghana nationals that the challenge was now even greater to unite more, to demonstrate more discipline at their work places, to be extra law abiding and lift high the flag of mother Ghana. He pledged the Community's support to the officials and wished them a fruitful stay.

The Ghana Community Vice President Mr Eric Magnusen of Standard Chartered Bank, in praising the Government for establishing the Consulate, hoped for new beginning in marketing Ghana in the entire GCC. He appealed to the Consular officers to make "Marketing Ghana" a top priority.

Attendants to the Independence Day Picnic were treated to traditional Ghanaian cuisines: Waakye, Kenkey with Shitto, Banku and Shito, Jollof and Cole Slaw, Banku and Okro soup, Ampesi, provided by Esenam Apreku's Gateway to Africa Shop located in Karama.

Picture shows the Consular Officer Yakubu (middle, front row standing with muslim cap)in group photograph with some of the attendants.

Thank you very much GNA General Manager, and Ghanaweb Administrator.

The Ghana Community, Dubai.