The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Ghana, Bijan Gerami Nazoksara, has ended his duty tour of Ghana. The Ghanaian Times had an interview with him to share his perspectives, below are excerpts of the interview
Ques: What are the areas of bilateral cooperation Between Ghana and Iran?
Ans. The cooperation between Ghana and Iran mainly includes economical areas.
We have been holding 7 Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) MOUs that cover many areas such as agriculture, trade, customs, industry, education, and health.
It also includes some judicial and political areas which are being worked on between our two governments.
The 7th PJCC was held during my tenure. I had to travel to Tehran as we were the host and it was a very constructive one, in which we signed so many MOUs in different areas. It was a successful experience. Ghanaian Delegation included high-level cabinet members and deputy ministers. We reviewed the previous MOUs and their implementations and foresaw areas in which we could enrich our efforts to the benefit of our two countries. After that, we have been busy following up on the signed agreements and implementation of them. Right now, we are waiting for the next PJCC which will be the 8th one and will be held here in Ghana. It’s just a matter of time. Soon after the new Government is in place, we will resume the process.
Ques: What areas do you want to see improved in terms of Ghana-Iran relationship?
Ans: What is clear is that Ghana is a young country, and the needs of its youth are evident: employment and housing. Both require people to have skills, training, or education that help them integrate into society and the market. Iran has excellent educational and training facilities, and as you might already be aware, we even have a university college here in Ghana. The infrastructure is already in place. This is what my predecessors have left for us, and all we need to do is put it to its best use.
One of the things I pursued during my tenure was expanding the educational offerings at the Islamic University College beyond just humanities courses. From there, having studied the needs of this country, I recognized the potential for nursing training. By the grace of God, we were eventually successful in establishing the College of Nursing and Midwifery, which offers a two-year training program that enables applicants to receive a master’s degree and go on to work in Ghanaian hospitals and medical centers.
On the other hand, Ghana is a water-rich, green country with soil so fertile that whatever you plant now, you will harvest within a few months, and then you can repeat the process frequently. All it takes is investment in agricultural infrastructure and, of course, transportation. I personally believe that these areas hold the best potential for bilateral collaboration.
Ques: What are some of your fond memories about Ghana and Ghanaians?
Ans: One of the most memorable aspects of Ghana is the remarkable hospitality and warmth of its people. Ghanaians have a reputation for being incredibly kind and welcoming, which is something that truly stands out to me, whether you are a visitor or a resident, you are made to feel at home. This warmth is complemented by the country’s strong political stability, which stands out in the region.
Ques: I believe there are some Ghanaian communities in Iran, can you tell us about what and how they are doing in Iran?
Ans: Yes, there are indeed some Ghanaian communities in Iran, and they are making meaningful contributions, particularly in fields like education and commerce. They are well-integrated into Iranian society, often engaging in cultural exchanges that help bridge the gap between our two nations. By participating in social and community activities, they bring a piece of Ghana’s vibrant culture to Iran, strengthening the bond between our countries.
Ques: Equally, there are Iranian communities in Ghana, what advice will you give them?
Ans: To my fellow Iranians in Ghana, I would encourage them to embrace the friendly and inclusive culture of the country. Ghanaians are incredibly open and generous toward foreigners, and respecting their traditions will further enrich your experience. Additionally, Ghana’s stable political environment and secure atmosphere provide excellent opportunities for business and investment. I encourage the Iranian community to actively engage with their surroundings and contribute positively, as this not only enhance their experience but also strengthen the growing relationship between Iran and Ghana.
Ques: What is the position of Iran in maintenance of global peace and security?
Ans: Iran is widely recognised for its position in challenging global currents. Unfortunately, Western-controlled mainstream media have portrayed this stance to the world as support for terrorism.
Decades ago, our people rose up to overthrow the dictatorship of the Shah and establish a democratic government. Soon after, we faced an attack led by Saddam Hussein, backed by his American and various other Western and Eastern allies. We fought for our freedom and the independence of our motherland, standing alone in the region, simply because we began to resist oppression and the exploitation of our country’s resources. Throughout history, Iran has never initiated conflict with any nation; however, it has always defended its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In contrast, it is the Israeli regime that continues to destabilise the region, with its ongoing killing of innocent civilians in Palestine, repeated bombings in Lebanon, and other acts such as the assassination of Iranian scientists and the leader of the Palestinian resistance movement on Iranian territory, as well as missile attack on Iranian embassies abroad. These actions violate Iran’s sovereignty and contravene the principles of the UN Security Council Charter.
It is only natural for any country facing such aggression to respond to these acts of barbarism. Israel is advancing a systematic campaign of genocide and apartheid in Palestine, with the number of women and children brutally killed in bombings reaching tragic levels. This must be stopped. It is the duty of every nation to put an end to it. Turning a blind eye to ongoing atrocities jeopardises global peace and security.
Iran has always sought peace, stability, and security in the region through adherence to international law. We believe that respecting these principles is the only path to achieving lasting peace.
Ques: Ghana is going into a crucial election, what is your advice to Ghanaians?
Ans: Ghana is renowned for its free and fair elections, where political parties consistently follow the constitution and respect democratic processes. These principles ensure a stable and secure environment, which is why many foreigners feel confident investing in Ghana.
As the envoy of a country that has experienced several elections and peaceful transitions of power, I have one piece of advice: vote, participate, and trust in the process.
BY ALHAJI SALIFU ABDUL-RAHAMAN
