Ghanaians in UK celebrate independence

Story: Nana Sifa Twum, London



Thousands of Ghanaians from all parts of the United Kingdom especially those in England joined their compatriots in the capital London to celebrate the nation’s 53rd independence anniversary in an ecstatic mode.



Key events for the occasion included get-together, church services, receptions and other social gatherings.



On the eve of the anniversary, hundreds of Ghanaians joined by other nationals gathered at the famous Westminster Abbey for an Evensong and thanksgiving service.



Present were representatives of Ghanaian community associations, traditional rulers, the Clergy, members of the diplomatic corps and members of staff of the Mission.



The Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who officiated the grand service, led a special prayer session for Ghana and its leaders, the Ghana High Commission and Ghanaians residents in the UK.

Reverend Dr Hall, prayed for the goodness and blessings of God for Ghana. He also prayed for a deep moral and spiritual renewal to help the nation meet the challenges it faces.

Ghana’s High Commissioner, Professor Kwaku Danso Boafo, read the second and the last lesson while the resident choir, the Choir of Westminster Abbey thrilled the hearts of worshipers with songs.

Earlier in the day a short but impressive flag raising ceremony took place at the Newham Borough of London which has a large number of Ghanaians.

The flag raising ceremony has been adopted by the Borough as an annual event which is held every March 6th, Ghana’s Independence Day.

This became possible due primarily to the exhibition of fascinating association and patriotism by Ghanaians resident in the area.

Since the year 2004, the Borough has supported Ghanaians in the borough to organise the event which has been attended by high profiled political and other well renowned figures.

This year’s occasion was attended by many distinguished personalities within and outside the Borough. They included Members of Parliament, Staff from the Ghana High Commission, Councilors and a cross-section of Ghanaians and other nationals.

After the Ghana National Anthem, Professor Danso-Boafo, hoisted the flag of Ghana amidst prolonged applause, cheers and jubilation by the gathering.

The Member of Parliament for East Ham, The Rt Hon Stephen Timms commended Ghanaians living in the area for their high sense of patriotism and dedication.

Rt Hon Timms who is also the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Minister for Digital Britain, and Labour's Vice Chair for Faith Groups extended well-wishing message to the entire Ghanaian community in the UK.

On the national day, Professor Danso Boafo hosted hundreds of people from all walks of life to a reception. It was attended by a large number of Ghanaians and dignitaries including members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Ghanaian Community Associations, opinion leaders, chiefs, the clergy and friends of Ghana.

Clad in traditional Ghanaian outfits, the celebrants were treated to highlife and traditional music and cultural display. Traditionally, a long queue was formed by the people to have a hand shake with the High Commissioner, and his wife, the Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Elizabeth Nicol and other sectional heads of the mission as they filed into the great hall of the prestigious Calton Tower Hotel in central London.



The High Commissioner in an interview talked about the significance of the day and urged Ghanaian in the Diaspora to continue to exhibit the high level of patriotism and commitment towards the growth and development of Ghana.

He called on Ghanaians not only to remember those who toiled and even lost their lives to the cause of freedom for our country but more importantly to emulate their sense of sacrifice, patriotism and dedication

He added that Ghanaians must continue to offer their knowledge, money, expertise and experience to mother Ghana so that the future would be brighter for their children and grandchildren

As part of the celebration, the Ghanaian Seventh Day Adventist Churches in the UK also held thanksgiving service where prayers were said for the nation.

The Head Pastor of the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist church, Pastor Fergus Owusu-Boateng urged members to continue to remember relatives and friends back home by way of supporting them financially. He said “God has placed you here so that you can be your brothers’’ keeper.”

Some other Ghanaian Christian churches on Sunday also held services to commemorate the day. At the Destiny Apostolic Church in Plaistow, The Resident Pastor, Evangelist Justice Kofi Annan, noted that God has given to the peoples of Ghana, a special place and responsibility in the world and they should rise up to such a divine and special challenge especially to lead Africa in its economic emancipation process

He prayed for wisdom, discernment and integrity for the leaders of Ghana as well as peace, prosperity for the citizens