Ghana: India Cerebrates 62nd Independence Day

Source from:  Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra) 19 August 2008 08/22/2008

The Indian Higher Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam has on behalf of the India President, J. E. Pratibha, urged Indian Residents in Ghana to be responsible and not take the law of the country into their own hands. According to her, social malpractices have caused agony to families, disruption in society and have resulted in spending of meagre resources by the host country. She made these observations at the celebration of India's 62nd Independence Day anniversary at her residence in Accra, with some India residents in Ghana, over the weekend. The Higher Commissioner reminded the people that the freedom that they are enjoying was from non-violence, noble principles of truth and a unique movement by the inspiring leader, Mahatma Gandhi. She noted that violence undermined any country's progress and it causes destruction to life and public property. Mrs. Ghanashyam added that due to their efforts and perseverance, the country has chalked many achievements to their credit, and also reminded them of several tasks ahead that had to be accomplished. "In fact, we must work ceaselessly to advance our common destiny for a strong democracy that is economically vibrant and modern, but yet rooted in its old values of harmony, tolerance and mutual respect," she noted. Additionally, she said discrimination against the girl-child, including issues like female foeticide, domestic violence, and addictions to tobacco, drugs and alcohol must be eradicated from the country. The Higher Commissioner also commended the India-Ghana bilateral relations, indicating that both countries are blessed with traditional ties of warmth and friendship. To this end, She said India is supporting the government of Ghana towards the development of rural areas by participating in many projects such as electrification, construction, manufacturing, trading, service, tourism, pharmaceuticals, ICT, agro- processing, agriculture, etc. She added that Ghana has also been a beneficiary of Indian's contribution to human resource development in Developing Countries through programmes such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). Enditem