The two-day visit to Ghana undertaken by The Princess Royal is to underly the bond of friendship between the two countries. Anne was greeted at the Kumasi Airport by the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku on behalf of the Asante overlord on Wednesday. She and her entourage were then driven to Manhyia Palace where a durbar of chiefs was held in honour of her arrival.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sat in state and said that the two countries were, “joining hands in celebration of their friendship, they are demonstrating that it is possible to replace the drums of war with the drums of mirth of joy.”
The British High Commissioner, Jon Benjamin said of The Princess Royal’s great honour given her to visit Ghana: “The Princess Royal has enjoyed a wide range of programmes in Accra and today in Kumasi. She will celebrate the broad range of people to people link between the UK and Ghana.
“As Ghana celebrates its 60th anniversary with themes of reflection, celebration, challenge and togetherness, we can also celebrate how our celebration has grown and matured over the last 60 years.
“Central to that is the strong links between the Kingdom and Kumasi.”
The Asantehene, spoke highly of Anne’s dedication to serving humanity and strengthening the bonds of friendship between their countries: “Your visit to Ghana attests to your commitment to the development of women and the girl child which are fundamental to the development of any country,” he said to MyJoyOnline.com.
This visit to Ghana celebrates the unique friendship between Ghana and the UK as it marks the 60th anniversary. “Against the background of ever rising hatred, our relation provides a singular example that it is possible to traverse the choppy waters of history and land in the embrace of peace, friendship and mutual respect.”.
Princess Anne laid a wreath for veterans at the Christianburg War Cemetery at Osu. she was accompanied by Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana and Chief of Defence Staff, Major Gen. Obed Akwa laid one on behalf of the Army. She also signed a book of condolence.
As a sponsor of the Varkey Foundation’s Making Ghanaian Girls Great, Princess Anne will participate in a live interactive distance learning session with students who have benefited from the programme.