Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), has identified Ghana as a country with a promising future and the potential to become one of the world's most powerful nations.
"Another thing I'd like to emphasize is that we are proud of our connection with Ghana and wish to strengthen it." We believe in this nation; we believe in its future; we believe in the people; and we know that Ghana will not only be one of the greatest African countries in the future, but also one of the greatest countries in the world," he continued.
Mr Blair was speaking at a party thrown at the British High Commissioner's house in Accra last week while on a business visit to the nation.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional and religious leaders, top executives, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Ministers of State were among the dignitaries that attended the event.
An e-motorbike and the newest Land Rover SUV were on exhibit.
Queen Elizabeth has made more official visits than any other monarch in the globe, with 271 total, including two trips to Ghana in 1961 and 1999.
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Mr. Blair, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, stated that the United Kingdom will expand its involvement in the nation.
"I adore Ghana; it's a fantastic nation." "I love the culture; I love the people; I love the spirit of the area; and what's wonderful is that you encounter Ghanaians everywhere you travel in the globe," he added, adding that Ghanaians were "clever, intellectual, and full of optimism and hope."
He described how he first saw Queen Elizabeth following the 1997 British general election, when he had to go through the "Kissing hands" ritual, which is a British custom for new Prime Ministers.
Partnership
Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, also stated that the strong partnership between her country and Ghana had resulted in progress in areas such as health, investment, job creation, security, and education, among others.
She added that after spending eight months in Ghana, she had grown to appreciate the country's culture, music, natural beauty, and history.
Ms Thompson stated that she will endeavor to strengthen the bilateral partnership for mutual benefit.
Significance
Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the occasion was noteworthy not just because the COVID-19 limitations were lifted, but also because the Queen was celebrating her 70th year on the throne, the first British monarch to do so.
"We in Ghana are proud of two visits she made to the nation during her reign, in November 1961 and November 1999, and the influence they had on Ghana's political scene as well as the Commonwealth."
Dr. Awal stated that Ghana and the United Kingdom have had a relationship since 1867, when the then Gold Coast became a British Colony, and that the relationship has been based on history, bilateral cooperation, and multilateral agreements since March 1957.
"High-level visits have also been a feature of our bilateral relations, during which issues of mutual interest have been discussed," he said, adding, "Ghana cherishes its relationship with the United Kingdom and welcomes the efforts the two countries are making to deepen cooperation in various fields, including health, education, trade, security, and defense."