The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, says she is optimistic that the reign of King Charles III will witness the deepening of the shared values of the Commonwealth and serve as a positive influence globally.
Mrs Botchwey noted that her reason for being optimistic was based on the contributions made towards the growth of the Commonwealth by King Charles III when he became the Head in 2022.
She was speaking at a thanksgiving service held at the Ridge Church in Accra on Wednesday and organised by the British High Commission to mark the successful coronation of King Charles III which came on last Saturday.
“The timely assumption of his Majesty the King as Head of the Commonwealth in 2022 at the time when the organisation was growing in size, skill and influence is opportune,” she said.
“I wish to highlight Ghana’s appreciation for his Majesty, the King’s life-long devotion to Commonwealth affairs and pledge Ghana’s continued commitment to the core values and principles of the Commonwealth.
“As a committed and active member of the Commonwealth, Ghana is confident that the reign of King Charles III will witness the deepening of the shared values of the Commonwealth and serve as a positive influence globally,” Mrs Botchwey added.
She further lauded the British Monarchy for symbolising stability and continuity, and providing a unifying force for the Commonwealth, while recalling the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II which included dedication to duty and passion for humanity.
Recognising the current global challenges, Mrs Botchwey commended his Majesty, King Charles III for his devotion in the fight against climate change.
That notwithstanding, she urged him to continue his call for closer collaboration towards a sustainable ecosystem while minimising the impact of climate change on the peace and development among Commonwealth nations and the world at large.
In addition, Ms Botchwey declared government’s readiness to collaborate with his Majesty, the King in order to strengthen the ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK).
On his part, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Harriet Thompson,gave credence to the significant role religion played in the public life of the people in the UK, which was manifested during the Anglican service held at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla.
Mrs Thompson noted that the UK through the coronation promote areas such as youth, community, diversity and sustainability which Ghana, a member of the Commonwealth also championed.
“With the advent of a new Monarch, we look to the future with hope for people and the planet, not just for the UK, but for the world,” she added.
Delivering the homily, the Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop of the Church of the Province of West Africa, Most Rev Dr Cyril Ben-Smith, said thanksgiving to God was the right thing to do because according to the scripture all good things came from God.
According to him, the coronation of the king which represented the marriage between him and his people could be traced into the scripture such as I Kings 1:40, and showed God’s love for his people.
The Metropolitan Archbishop called for continued prayers for King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla.
At the solemn thanksgiving, a word of prayer was said for the king and queen, those who work in local communities, nations of the Commonwealth, the sick and the vulnerable.
It also witnessed the reciting of the Apostles Creed and the singing of the national anthem of Britain and Ghana.
In attendance were Ministers of State, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, the Chief Justice, officials from the British High Commission, and the clergy.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
