First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has joined the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Birender Singh Yadav and other dignitaries to attend the grand finale of the “Festival of India” in Ghana on March 11, 2017.
The festival which was held at the National Theatre in Accra to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties between India and Ghana was organised by the India High Commission in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, and the National Theatre, Ghana.
The audiences of the festival were treated to Indian traditional dance, music, film shows, among others. The Festival of India also showcased multifaceted aspects of India culture in its various colourful forms and has been held in several countries including Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, and Italy.
In his welcome address, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Birender Singh Yadav said: “A festival of India is an important aspect of cultural diplomacy aimed at strengthening bilateral cultural relations. The main focus of the festival is to connect and enhance the perception of India in the minds of people and offer them a glimpse of the flavour and variety of Indian culture”.
“We are very happy with the responds the festival has received”, he stated.
In a short speech, the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo said: “Cultural exchanges are very important for the development of both countries”.
She noted that Ghana and India bilateral relations date back after Ghana’s independence and assured that under her husband leadership relations would be grow further.
The festival of India in Ghana titled ‘Maitri’ meaning ‘friendship’ also sought to trace the 60 years of strong of friendship between the Asian country and its West African colleague.
The Festival of India was inaugurated on the eve of 68th Republic Day of India, on 25th January at the National Theatre featured performance of “Samanvay” by LokChhanda Cultural Unit led by Ms Maitreyee Pahari group”.
“Samanvay” is an amalgamation of different Indian Classical and traditional dance forms namely Kathak, Bharatanatyam,Odissi, Manipuri, Chhau and contemporary dance forms.
The group also performed at the Centre for National Culture in Takoradi in the Western Region, Cape Coast in the Central Region, Tema, and in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region .
India-Ghana relations have traditionally been warm and friendly. The strong foundation of their bilateral relations was laid by then Indian leadership and Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The visit of the H.E Pranab Mukherjee, President of India to Ghana from 12-14, 2016 which was the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State has helped to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Ghana.
India is which accredited as the world’s largest democracy, appreciates the successful conduct of peaceful and transparent elections in Ghana.
Mr Yadav noted: “The smooth transition of power has once again demonstrated Ghana’s impeccable credentials as stable and strong democracy not only in West Africa but the entire African continent”.
African Eye Report
