On the occasion of Ghana's 47th independence anniversary, the Council of Ghanaian Associations in Japan, for the first time, decided to honor Japan's Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs. Kazuko Asai and Messrs Lotte Corporation of Japan. Unfortunately, both nominees were not available to collect their awards on the day of celebration, which was held on Sunday March 7, 2004.

Through the cooperation of the embassy of Ghana in Tokyo, the council learned of Mrs. Asai's holiday visit to Japan. The embassy subsequently, contacted both Mrs. Asai and Lotte on behalf of the council. On April 22nd 2004 a reception was organized at the Ghana embassy where the council presented a Certificate of Honor to Mrs. Kazuko Asai, for her dedicated service to the people of Ghana and in particular her devoted service to the rural communities of Ghana. Lotte Corporation on its part was awarded a certificate of Appreciation for their continuos effort in popularizing the name of Ghana through the naming of their products after Ghana throughout Japan and on the international markets. Lotte, which is the largest producer of chocolate products in Japan, uses Ghana's premium cocoa beans. The vice president of Lotte received the award on behalf of his company.

In the attached group photo, Mrs. Kazuko Asai and Lotte's vice president are flanked by Ghana's ambassador Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah, some embassy staff as well as the executives of the council of Ghanaian associations in Japan.

I hope you will find this piece of news worthy of publication.

Thank you

Yours sincerely,

Frank Adjei-Ntekor

Assistant General Secretary (Council of Ghanaian Associations in Japan)