Story: Nana Sifa Twum, Glasgow - Scotland

Ghana has opened a new Honorary Consulate Office in Glasgow, the capital of Scotland to facilitate visa and consular functions, among others in the area

Ghana’s Honorary Consul is one of the few by African High Commissions in Scotland. Scotland is one of the countries forming the United Kingdom. With a population of around 580,000, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and is also the commercial capital as well as the UK’s largest retail centre after London. It is one of Europe's top 20 financial centres and is home to many of Scotland's leading businesses.

Scotland has over the last few years, established itself firmly as one of the world’s premier venues for conferences and events.

Currently it is estimated that about 4,000 Ghanaians reside in the Glasgow area alone, half of whom are known to be professionals.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate therefore will help meet the challenges facing Ghanaians in the area by offering 14 hours a week facility regarding consular, welfare, visa and passport services as well as other diplomatic needs.

The two countries over the years have enjoyed intimate trade and diplomatic relations which have seen a number of fruitful exchange programmes for medical experts, The Girls’ Guide, Students and many others.

The elaborate ceremony took place at the prestigious City Chambers. A historic building which is a grand and imposing edifice overlooking Scotland’s national square (George Square) right in the centre of the city of Glasgow.

It is an impressive symbol of Glasgow’s political strength and historical wealth and only ceremonies deemed very important are held there.

It was at this place that Ghana’s former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings was honoured in the year 2000 by the government and people of Scotland for his immense contribution to the development of Ghana’s political evolution.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of high ranking politicians in Scotland, members of the diplomatic corps and the Ghanaian community in Scotland and beyond

The new and first Honorary Consul-General is Dr. Charles Amartey Aryiku, a medical doctor who has lived and worked in Scotland for decades. Dr. Aryiku a graduate of the University of Ghana Medical School later undertook post graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh from 1979 to 1982 and has since lived and worked in Glasgow with his family. He is currently a consultant in Adult Psychiatry at the Ailsa Hospital in Ayrshire, Glasgow.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, who performed the opening ceremony recounted the existing cooperation between the two countries and noted that it has helped Ghana to build a well-endowed human resources base “that is required to face the challenges of nation building”.

He was of the view that the growing complexities of international relations and the need to ensure consistent socio-economic growth of countries such as Ghana have made it indispensable for governments to strengthen bonds of cooperation.

Professor Danso-Boafo observed that there is currently an economic, diplomatic, security, health and cultural menaces which affect every nation. This according to him will need effective bonds of corporation among countries to tackle.

He therefore expressed the hope that Ghana and Scotland and the United Kingdom in general will continue to enjoy a lasting and fruitful cooperation to help address issues affecting them.

Ghana’s Envoy touched on the country’s political and economic progress saying the current high profile of Ghana within the international community has over the years been shaped by its leadership role in Africa.

He mentioned Ghana’s role in the United Nation’s especially in peace-keeping operations as well as true dedication to the rule of law, democratic governance and growing economic prosperity as some of the factors which have made Ghana “to be regarded as a serious partner within the comity of nations whose views and contributions are respected.”

Professor Danso-Boafo said the High Commission was aware of the increasing demands in consular and welfare services in Scotland. “It is therefore our expectation that the commissioning of this Honorary Consulate will succeed in bringing consular and other services to the doorsteps of the Ghanaian community here”. He emphasised

The new Honorary Consul-General Dr. Amartey Aryiku said he was aware of the aims and objectives of establishing the consulate and pledged his commitment and dedication to ensure that government objectives are met.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute in my small way at this stage in our national development and to help strengthen the links between Scotland and Ghana.” Dr. Aryiku noted.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow Rt. Honourable Bob Winters observed the long standing relationship between Ghana and Scotland and expressed the delight that Glasgow is to have its very own representative from the Ghanaian High Commission.

“I am confident that we will have a lot to discuss that will benefit the people of Glasgow and Scotland and the people of Ghana.” He said.

Professor Danso-Boafo later presented the instrument of accreditation to Dr. Aryiku and also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion at a colourful flag raising ceremony.