The year 2002 ends tonight and a New Year, 2003 will be ushered in. As we pray to God Almighty for his love and kindness during 2002, let us spare a thought for our compatriots back home - in our villages, towns and cities.

Let us also remember to say a word of prayer for our Head of State, H.E. President John Agyekum Kufour and ask God to continue to protect and guide him so that he can lead Ghana to attain his vision of a united and prosperous country.

The year 2002 marked my first full year in the United Kingdom, having arrived to take up appointment as High Commissioner in September 2001. It has certainly been an eventful year.

A highlight of our relationship with the United Kingdom was the three-day visit of Right Honourable Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, to Ghana in February accompanied by Right Honourable Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development.

In the UK, we have had the contrasting events of the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, and the spontaneous joy of the celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

The Ghanaian scene has been dominated by a series of fundraising activities by various professional, town and ethnic groups to support ongoing development projects in Ghana. I take this opportunity to congratulate those who managed to raise funds for their communities back home.

In 2002, there were several expositions of Ghanaian tradition and culture especially by Ga Adangbe Foundation, Akim Abuakra Susubiri, NOVIHA UK, NANANOM Association Abrempong, Adzido, Ablade Cultural Troupes and as well as the efforts of Lord Eric alias Sugumugu.

The Ghanaian and Caribbean radio stations continue to play important and supportive roles for our community and it is my hope that in 2003, we can bring them together to establish a 24hr 7-day/week community radio station.

GFM Online radio, Ghana Review International, Roots Magazine continue to provide coverage on Ghanaian activities in the United Kingdom.

I also congratulate the Ghana Union and the Homecoming Steering Committee for their immense contributions during the year.

On this New Year’s eve, I want to thank the entire Ghanaian community for their encouragement and support.

During 2002, the Ghana High Commission organised the first open forum to enable the High Commissioner meet our people and answer pertinent questions on matters of concern. The Foreign Minister, Hon. Hackman Owusu Aygemang, (MP) who was then visiting London graced the occasion and helped in answering questions of the audience.

The High Commissioner and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Kofi Konadu Apreku, also visited Ghanaian owned companies in North London to demonstrate the interest of the Government in their activities and to address their concerns. These activities will be continued in other parts of London in the New Year.

I am happy to note that the time for passport delivery and visa issuance has been considerably shortened and the aggravation our people formerly suffered is a thing of the past.

At home, the NPP Government remains focused on implementing policies to maintain macro-economic stability, thus creating a conducive environment for Ghanaian business to grow and prosper and thereby increase employment opportunities for our people.

Government is also actively developing the socio-economic infrastructure through heavy investment in education at all levels, health and road infrastructure. Indeed, earlier this month the President cut the sod to signify the commencement of the six lane Circle to Achimota road, which is one of the initial phase of the Accra Kumasi highway. Other dual carriage highways planned are the Accra Aflao and Accra Yamuransa roads.

Food prices have generally stabilised as a result of Government policy to encourage farmers to produce more for our people.

One area of concern to all Ghanaians is the spate of armed robberies. You will recall the murders of women between 1999-2001, which the President promised to stop at his inauguration. Today we know that the police have obtained a conviction and these acts have stopped. The Government is equipping the Ghana Police with vehicles and equipment which will enable them to deal decisively with this social canker and I am sure that Ghanaians in the UK, when called upon to support Government’s efforts in this connection, will rise to the occasion.

Ghana continues to reap the benefits accruing from the heavily indebted poor country initiative. A total of 400 billion cedis of our debts has been cancelled by multilateral donors while over 117 billion cedis have been disbursed to the District Assemblies and various agencies for poverty reduction activities in the education, health, water and sanitation sectors.

In addition a total of 265 billion cedis was released to the districts through the District Assemblies Common Fund in 2002, an improvement on the 188.7 billion cedis for the same purpose in 2001.

Although we are not yet out of the woods, I am optimistic that the path the Government has chosen would create the conducive environment for the prosperity and well-being of Ghanaians within the shortest possible time. Indeed we have already began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

On this occasion, let me urge all Ghanaians to help create the platform that will entice the “haves” within the UK and beyond to invest in our country.

Ghana remains a stable and peaceful country. That is why she continues to be seen as a viable destination for private direct investment and a reliable partner for international business and trade.

I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Afe Nhyia Pa!!