Ghana President bids farewell to Guyana

―two-day State Visit ends with bilateral agreements in several areas

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, June 12, 2019

After two days of floral tributes, bilateral talks, a luncheon held in his honour and the conferral of Guyana’s highest national award – The Order of Excellence, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, earlier this morning bid farewell to Guyana.

His private plane departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at approximately 09:45hrs, following a full military Hail, afforded to a visiting Head of State, and “a dear friend and brother,” as stated just the day before by President David Granger.

About 09:00hrs, the Military Band of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) made its way onto the tarmac of the CJIA, followed by four Guards of Honour, who gave the final salute to the visiting Head of State.

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo inspects the Guard of Honour upon his arrival to Guyana, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo makes his way to the Non-Aligned Monument. Also, in the photo is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings.

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo places his floral tribute at the 1763 Monument. He is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Vincent Alexander.

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo interacts with the Ghanaian diaspora at the Marriott Hotel.

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo meeting with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo is congratulated by President David Granger after receiving The Order of Excellence.

Guyana’s highest national award, The Order of Excellence.

Flags of Guyana and Ghana.

The Non-Aligned Monument.

President David Granger embraces President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo as he prepares to depart Guyana.

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo waves goodbye from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Upon his arrival on Tuesday morning, President Akufo-Addo was welcomed at the airport by President Granger and a welcoming party of Government Ministers, the Chief-of-Staff of the GDF and the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James.

As his visit came to an end, the Ghanaian leader committed his country’s support for Guyana’s stance on the border controversy with Venezuela.

During his meeting with the local Ghanaian diaspora on Tuesday evening at the Marriott Hotel, he said the Republic of Ghana stood ready to offer support in, “areas of Education and transportation”. He noted that both countries were looking at a direct link between Accra and Georgetown.

Earlier that day, following bilateral talks with President Granger at the State House, bilateral agreements covering several areas of mutual interest were signed.

“For technical cooperation with personnel from Ghana to assist with the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector,” stated Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon.

An agreement was also signed for the abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the two states, as well as one for trade. Ghana has expressed interest in Guyana’s timber and rum industries.

As his day began early in Georgetown, approximately 6,399 square kilometres from his own home in Accra, Ghana, His Excellency Akufo-Addo made an honorary visit to the Non-Aligned and 1763 Monuments where he paid floral tributes to the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement and leader of the ‘Great Rebellion’ of 1763 respectively.

Images: Keno George, Kawise Wishart, Marceano Narine, Giovanni Gajie