The Guyana- Ghana connection

DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 10, 2019

The local stage is set for the historic first-time visit of sitting Ghanaian Head of State Nana Akufo- Addo to Guyana, this evening, but how much do we know about the connections between the two Commonwealth nations, oftentimes confused by people around the world?

Guyana and the West African country of Ghana are tied in history and common interests. The ties between the two span four decades. This year, we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.

Records show that Guyana’s first Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham had a personal relationship with Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The Transatlantic slave trade was no pleasant experience for Africans from the West. The British inhumane treatment of our ancestors was most undesirable.

However, what came to Guyana through the bitter experiences have left a long-lasting legacy. Guyana and Ghana have been inextricably linked through many aspects including marriage, funerals, culinary arts, music and dance, among others.

At the recent accreditation of Ghana’s new High Commissioner to Guyana Professor Abena Busia, President David Granger noted it is a favourable time for the deepening and strengthening of cooperation between the two states.

“Guyana and Ghana have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on 14th May 1979, forty years ago. Our relations are founded on mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security,” he told the new Ambassador.

Back in 1957, Guyana joined in heralding Ghana’s Independence. Some cultural organisations in Guyana today, join in the celebration of Ghana Day, on March 6, each year, paying homage to the millions of ancestors plucked from their homes through the Transatlantic slave trade. Remnants of African culture in the form of music, dance, food and dress in Guyana, were adopted from Ghana.

According to President David Granger, the state visit of President Akufo- Addo will result in practical measures aimed at enhancing relations and cooperation between the two states, particularly in the fields of agriculture, culture, energy, environment, investment, petroleum production, private sector cooperation, tourism and transportation.

“Guyana is in transition towards the establishment of a ‘green state’ which will see more emphasis being placed on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy generation, and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. Guyana’s ‘green state’ will allow us to respond more effectively to the challenges posed by climate change,” President Granger highlighted.

The official programme of the state visit by the Ghanaian President includes a ceremonial wreath laying at the Non-aligned and 1763 Monuments on Tuesday, June 11, along with an interaction with the Ghanaian Diaspora and local African groups.