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Diasporia News of Wednesday, 10 September 2003

Source: Ghana High Commission, London

Ghana's UK Envoy Praises Voltarians

H.E Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has praised the people of the Volta Region for the spirit of togetherness and fellow- feeling which continues to bind them as a people.

“This spirit", he said, “ought to permeate the activities of the entire people of Ghana so that we can move forward as one people with a common destiny".

He said those characteristics, underpinned by loyalty and respect for the elderly should be emulated by all Ghanaians.

He therefore urged all Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of unity and togetherness in all national endeavours to move the development agenda of Ghana forward.

He made the remarks during the celebration of this year’s Hogbetsotso Cultural Dance and Music by the members of the NOVIHA (UK), (UK) in London.

Highlights of this year’s festival were traditional music and dance at which H.E, Mr. Isaac Osei and his wife(Mrs. Marian Osei), Rev Nii Odonkor, the new (Ghanaian) Minister of the Ghanaian Ministry in London and other dignitaries thrilled the crowd with intricate "agbadza" steps.

The occasion was also used to raise funds for the education of the under-privileged Ghanaian children in the Volta Region.

The High Commissioner, Mr. Osei outlined a number of development projects, which had been undertaken by the NPP Government since January 2001 and added, amid applause, that the government was committed to the completion of the Keta Sea Defence project to enhance the economic and social activities for the benefit of the people of Keta and its environs.

He said it was the determination of the government to ensure that the people of the Volta Region have a fair share of development projects.

Mr. Osei urged parents to endeavour to impart their rich culture to their children who were born in the UK and stressed that as a first step they should encourage their children to speak their own native language.

The President of NOVIHA (UK), Mr. B. B. K Ayivor thanked the Ghana High Commissioner for gracing the occasion and for his advice. He told the gathering that through the contributions of members, a consignment of medical equipment and drugs would be sent to Ghana for use at the Keta District Hospital.

He announced that plans were far advanced to launch an Ewe language scheme for children in the Diaspora and a new radio station, dubbed, Radio Hogbe, to cater for the needs of the people in the area.