Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the ideals of the Commonwealth cooperation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
“Let us recognize that in unity, there is strength, and in diversity, there is opportunity,” Dr. Omane Boamah stated in an address at a flag-raising and tree-planting ceremony at the forecourt of the State House on Monday to commemorate the 76th Commonwealth Day celebration in Accra.
The celebration was held under the theme “Together We Thrive.”
Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, observed on the second Monday in March. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.
The Minister for Defence, who represented Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the event, said this year’s theme reflected the Commonwealth’s core mission of promoting democracy, fostering inclusivity, and working together for peace and prosperity.
He emphasized that Commonwealth Day was more than just a symbolic observance; it was a day to reflect on the progress made as a collective and to renew their dedication to fostering peace, democracy, and sustainable development across the diverse member states.
Dr. Omane Boamah noted that this year’s commemoration was particularly special for the entire Commonwealth fraternity, as it also marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the main intergovernmental agency of the Commonwealth responsible for facilitating consultations and cooperation among member countries.
“For us in Ghana, this anniversary is significant as we celebrate with pride the assumption of duty in April 2025 of our immediate past Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” he said.
“Her election also made her the first African woman and the first Ghanaian to occupy this prestigious position, a major milestone for Ghana’s diplomacy, international standing, and legacy.”
Dr. Omane Boamah stated that the Government of Ghana had full confidence in her ability to deliver on her mandate.
He, therefore, took the opportunity to call on all Commonwealth Member States and stakeholders to support her in achieving her vision of ushering the organization into a new era of progress and prosperity.
The minister also highlighted Ghana’s democratic journey, particularly the peaceful transition of power following the December 2024 general election, which saw President John Dramani Mahama elected to office and the historic election of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
He described this as a groundbreaking achievement for gender representation in Ghanaian politics and an inspiration for women and girls across Africa.
He expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Member States for their support in strengthening Ghana’s democratic processes, particularly through election observation and technical assistance.
Madam Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner in Accra, who delivered King Charles’ message, said the Commonwealth family was strongest when connected through friendship.
She noted that Commonwealth leaders came together in Samoa in October 2024 to reaffirm their “belief in the value of the Commonwealth as a trusted forum where diverse voices of Member States, large or small, young or old, come together as one family.”
John Apea, the Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council-Ghana, delivered a remark on behalf of Madam Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
He highlighted key issues, including Commonwealth solidarity, shared ideals, and resilience in the face of international challenges.
