His Excellency Mr. Annan Cato, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK has called on all Ghanaian community and opinion leaders to join the crusade to help safeguard and project the good name of Ghana.

High Commissioner noted that “get-rich-quick” mentality which has led to an upsurge in the trafficking of illicit drugs amongst Ghanaian travellers was tarnishing the good image of the country and urged the leadership of the various Ghanaian Associations in the UK to sensitise their members to shun such practices.

“The way we live and conduct ourselves as Ghanaians reflects on the image of our country, so let us all strive to make a conscious effort to conduct ourselves in a manner that would bring pride, dignity and respect to our dear nation” added the High Commissioner

Mr. Annan Cato made the exhortation when the executives of NOVIHA UK called on him to formally welcome him to the UK. NOVIHA UK was established in 1981 to cater to the welfare needs of friends and indigenes of the Volta Region in the UK.

Mr. Annan Cato observed that the fusion of the diverse cultural and ethnic groupings in the country give Ghana a unique national identity and the synergy to advance the development agenda of the country in a rapidly changing world.

He gave the assurance that the Government of Ghana was working fervently to improve the socio-economic situation of the ordinary Ghanaian and stressed that “Ghanaians will only be able to walk proudly with their chests out when the nation was stable and prosperous.”

The High Commissioner said the Mission appreciated the invaluable contribution NOVIHA UK was making towards the development of the Volta Region especially in the development of the health and education sectors. He also extended a warm hand of friendship and support to all Ghanaian Associations in the UK and pledged to work closely with all identifiable groups for the benefit of Ghanaians domiciled in the UK.

Speaking on behalf of the Association, Mr, Bill Ayivor, President of NOVIHA UK, thanked the High Commissioner for the warm reception accorded them and added that NOVIHA UK looked forward to a positive and fruitful collaboration with the High Commissioner during his tenure of office.

Touching on projects being pursued by the Association, Mr Ayivor said NOVIHA UK shipped thousands of assorted medical equipment and books to a number of institutions in the Volta Region last year including Sogakope District Hospital, Anlo Secondary School, Keta Secondary School, Afiadenyigba Secondary and Ketu District Library.

Also present at the meeting were Mr. Charles Wereko, Counsellor Information of the High Commission; Ms Grace Deyegbe, Vice President; Mrs Beulah Ahadzie-Kunutsor, General Secretary; Mrs Christine Boyce, Assistant Welfare Officer; Mrs Claudette Ayivor, Education Committee; Mr Gabriel Goka, Past President, Mr. Patrick Avorkliyah, Executive Member and Miss Pat Ametewee, Assistant Treasurer of NOVIHA UK.