42 years should be time for reflection -envoy

Accra (Greater Accra), 17 March '99 -

Mr J.E.K. Aggrey-Orleans, Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has said that after 42 years of Independence, Ghanaians have had enough celebration and cheering and should now reflect deeply on the destiny of the country, especially on the eve of the millennium. Mr Aggrey-Orleans said that Ghanaians should realise that they cannot continue to blame anybody for their own under-development, adding, "we have flogged the horse long enough and must now stand up and own up to our own responsibilities". A statement issued by the office of the High Commissioner in London on Tuesday said Mr Aggrey Orleans said this when he addressed the Friends of Ghana Society at the University of Portsmouth at the weekend to mark the 42nd Independence Anniversary of Ghana. The High Commissioner reminded members of the society, who are mostly students, that as future leaders they had an important role to play in the development of their country. "Remember that your country is always your country, and you must therefore spare a thought for it because it has done much to make you who you are. You are who you are because you come from Ghana." Mr Aggrey-Orleans regretted that there had been a considerable decrease in the number of Ghanaian students studying in the UK as a result of the introduction of higher fees for foreign students. He noted that the system has made the UK to lose that international intellectual community which Commonwealth links used to foster in British institutions of higher learning, and among British intellectuals. Mr Aggrey-Orleans noted that these high fees have been "almost extortionist" and have prevented a lot of people from studying in the UK. He appealed to the University of Portsmouth and Friends of Ghana to explore all avenues of assistance for other African students who genuinely seek to improve their calibre and acquire skills otherwise unavailable to them back at home. The High Commissioner assured them of the support of the Ghana High Commission and urged them to feel free to come to the Mission with their problems. The Friends of Ghana Society was formed in 1993 and aims at fostering community spirit and mutual assistance among Ghanaian, other Africans and Friends of Ghana.