Pakistan High Commission hosts reception to mark National day

…as it pledges more commitment to economic ties with Ghana

The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Ghana has held reception in Accra to commemorate the Pakistan National Day.

The High Commissioner, Farhat Ayesha hosted the Pakistan Community, the Diplomatic corps and Ghanaians including Government to a memorable reception at the Pakistan House in Abelempke.

Earlier a flag hoisting ceremony was performed by the High Commissioner together with the Pakistan Community members present.

The Pakistan Republic Day also known as the Pakistan Resolution Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23^rd March 1956 making Pakistan the world’s first Islamic Republic.

The day also celebrates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League at the Minar-e-Pakistan (lit. Pakistan Tower) which called for the creation of an independent sovereign state derived from the provinces with Muslim majorities located in the North-West and East of British India (excluding autonomous princely States) on 23^rd March 1940.

Welcoming guests, Ms Ayesha, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Ghana expressed joy to celebrate its National Day with the Pakistan Community, friends from the diplomatic corps and the people of Ghana.

“Today is a special day for us as it’s our first Pakistan Day reception since the re-establishment of the High Commission in June last year. Our fore fathers committed themselves to the goal of an independent and sovereign country that became a reality on 14^th August 1947. We are proud of our 65 years old friendship with the people of Ghana that dates back to 1958, and the establishment of Pakistan High Commission in Accra in 1964 energized this relationship which has grown from strength to strength”.

She particularly underscored the mutual economic cooperation the two countries have benefitted from and continue to benefit. “Pakistan and Ghana have been cooperating in areas of diplomacy, economics, capacity building and the people to people contacts. Ghana is the second largest trading partner of Pakistan in West Africa with overall trade of around USD $67 million.

Ghana and Pakistan establish a Joint Business Council

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 23^rd February 2023 in Lahore between the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GNCCI) establishing the Pakistan-Ghana Joint business Council all in a bid to promote bilateral business, trade and investment relations creating job opportunities and technological advancement between the two countries. The Council is expected to ease the sharing of information on economic and trade sectors, organizing joint events, match making and exchange of business delegations”. She informed and assured of her Office’s commitment to play key role in reinforcing the ongoing bilateral commercial corporation.

Ms Ayesha praised the Pakistan community in Ghana for contributing positively towards the development of Ghana with their skills. “Pakistanis are running leading businesses in IT and equipment, furniture and décor, agricultural machinery and products and pharmaceuticals. They are recognized for their professionalism and commitment to duty working as doctors, IT professionals, engineers, managers and skilled workers in international organizations and multinationals in Ghana.

The High Commissioner thanked the Government of Ghana for facilitating the stay of the High Commission and helping in getting it grounded in Accra.

Guest of honor, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, MP, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in charge of Political and Economic matters in his address congratulated the people of Pakistan for the 1^st Anniversary celebration of their national day in Accra after the re-establishment of the High Commission. “We recognize this milestone as a clear demonstration of the strong ties between our two countries. We hope the presence of the High Commission in Accra will further enhance our corporation and facilitate economic activities between the two countries to be mutually beneficial.

He Ampratwum-Sarpong acknowledged the support from the Government of Pakistan in areas of technical assistance program, capacity building and scholarship packages for the Public sector and he admitted that beneficiaries are contributing significantly towards the development of the country.

He observed that although the two countries are making progress in the area of trade there’s the potential for them to further strengthen the corporation. “Hopefully, the re-opening of the Mission in Ghana and we as the host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it will be an additional incentive to encourage businesses from Pakistan to take advantage of the opportunity to invest and partner with Ghanaians to access Africa’s huge market size of 1.2 billion people to further strengthen the trade ties between the two countries.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong commended all Pakistanis in Ghana for contributing significantly towards the growth of the country and assured that Government will continue to create a business friendly environment for their businesses to grow. “I reaffirm the commitment of the Government of Ghana to continue to work together with the Government of Pakistan to further strengthen our bilateral ties. It’s our hope that the years ahead will see a revamp in our economy and opening of new opportunities to further enhance our relations to be mutually beneficial to our people.”