President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has received the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC)’s highest honour, the “Gold Star Award,” for his contribution to the country’s growth and sustenance of peace.
He received a citation when the FICAC President, Nikolaos Margaropolous led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the president last week Tuesday in Accra.
FICAC is a global network of Consular Associations created to support and improve the status, legitimacy and effectiveness of all consular officers.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his appreciation for the visit and emphasised Ghana’s commitment to promoting African unity, economic growth, and sustainable development.
He highlighted the need for increased cooperation among African nations, stressing the importance of trade, investment, and cultural exchange to foster mutual prosperity.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Otumfo Osei Tutu II last week Monday to inform him about the conference and to celebrate the achievements of the esteemed monarch.
The delegation used the opportunity to honour Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with a citation which recognised his exemplary leadership, commitment to his people, and unwavering dedication to promoting peace, unity, and development within his kingdom and beyond.
Members of the delegation included Asif Chowdhury, Vice President of FICAC; Purrshottam Bhaggeria, Secretary General of FICAC; Dimitrios Avraam, Dean of the Honorary Consul Corps of Ghana (HCCGH);Subhi Accad, Deputy Dean of HCCGH; Kwame Acquah, Executive Secretary of HCCGH and a cross section of members of the HCCGH and other delegates from various African countries.
The visit formed part of FICAC’s first Pan African Conference for Honorary Consuls in Africa, organised by HCCGH on the theme “FICAC’s Perspectives on Africa and the Role of Honorary Consuls.”
The Conference provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions on the evolving diplomatic landscape in Africa and the essential role played by honorary consuls in advancing diplomatic relations and fostering economic development.
The honorary consuls in collaboration with office of the Vice Chancellor at the University of Ghana (UG) also planted five seedlings to represent five continents on the university campus.
Since it was founded in Copenhagen on 2 October 1982, FICAC has held periodical conferences to strengthen the bond among Consuls and to channelise their experiences in professional fields.
HCCGH is a body of all Honorary Consuls in Ghana which was established in 1996. The Group currently has currently has 40 members.
BY TIMES REPORTER
