Chair of the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has called for a renewed partnership between the Commonwealth and Africa, post the COVID-19 world, in order to pursue the common agenda of improving the lot of every Commonwealth nation.
Addressing attendees of a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, at her residence, as part of activities marking Commonwealth Day, today (14 March 2022), Mr Otchere-Darko, says “recent events in the world” has shown how much the world has become interdependent and that the current number of African countries who are part of the Commonwealth, provide great opportunities that must be taken advantage off.
“The Commonwealth network provides strong gateways to other global networks which can benefit us all. For example, out of the G77 countries, 44 are members of the Commonwealth. Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia -longstanding members of the Commonwealth -link member countries to the ASEAN network made up of 10 countries” Mr Otchere-Darko said.
“12 members of the Caribbean Community and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, 7 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and 10 members of the Pacific Island Forum are also all Commonwealth members”.
“Then you have Canada, which is one of the largest economies in the Commonwealth and provides an important Segway into the USA for many countries; you have Malta, Cyprus and formerly the U.K, that provide an important gateway to the EU” the chair of the CWEIC advisory board added.
“Similarly, you find that almost half – an incredible 19 of the 39 African Union countries – can be found in the Commonwealth. This provides great opportunities and partnerships that enables outside markets to economically engage with Africa, and vice versa, as well as the opportunity for African countries both within the Commonwealth and the African Union to engage in intra Africa trade – with each other. This is a real advantage” he further stated.
Partnership potential
Emphasizing on his call, Mr Otchere-Darko noted that a “Commonwealth and African partnership can provide the perfect petri dish to facilitate trade, enterprise, investment, jobs and prosperity”.
According to him, “post the world of COVID, there has not been a time when this is as much needed as it is today. By utilizing the wealth that we have in common – a common language, common culture and common laws – we can seize a great opportunity to better the lot of all citizens across the Commonwealth”.
“However, it is imperative that we act now, by jumping into the saddle, before the horse bolts” he added.
Ghana’s Commitment
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Mampong Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, in his brief remarks, reiterated Ghana’s committed to the aspirations of the Commonwealth.
He indicated that Ghana stands ready to boost her trade relations with all Commonwealth nations in spite of the current difficulties being experienced by the global economic.
British High Commissioner
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, in her statement said the theme for the 2022 Commonwealth Day, “Delivering a Common Future”, going forward, will inform the Commonwealth agenda of standing together and pursuing common goals.
She ended her remarks by quoting a portion of the 2022 Commonwealth Day message from Her Majesty The Queen and head of the Commonwealth.
“In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all” Ms. Thompson said.
Wilberforce Asare
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