Shir Birender Singh Yadav and officials of the Indian High Commission during the recital of the national anthem
The Indian High Commission in Ghana has celebrated the 69th Republic Day of India in Accra with an activity depicting the culture and heritage of the people of India.
The event which was held at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner, Shir Birender Singh Yadav, began with the hoisting of the Indian flag by Shir Birender Singh Yadav amidst the Indian national anthem played by the Ghana Police Band.
Dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps, academia and the Indian community in Ghana, were treated to a classical dance performance by an Indian dance group, Moumala Nyayak.
Schoolchildren from My Playroon School, Al-Riyan and DPS schools also showcased the heritage of India through their dance and drama performances to the enjoyment of all.
Reading the Republic Day address on behalf of by President Shri Ram Nath Kovind of Inda, Mr Singh Yadav stated that the day was to celebrate and remember the efforts of the men and women whose blood and sweat brought about the Republic of India.
He said, “Independence had come a little over two years earlier. But it was with the framing and adoption of the Constitution – and the birth of the republic of India- that we truly achieved the ethic of equality among all citizens, irrespective of religion, region or community.”
Mr Singh Yadav added that a confident and forward-looking nation is one built by confident and forward-looking young people, urging Indians to ensure equal opportunity for all, especially girls and women.
Touching on the bilateral relations between India and Ghana, he mentioned that figures show that both countries are on track to meeting the $5b Trade target by 2020.
He explained that the presidents of the two countries made a pledge to increase trade values between both countries, however, within six months both countries have achieved a total of $1.7b; Ghana exported $1.3m worth of goods while India exported $400m worth of goods.
Mr Singh Yadav assured that the trade relations between the two countries will be strengthened to achieve the target before the 2020 deadline.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri