Ghana marked her 65th Independence Anniversary in Washington DC with a thanksgiving service
organized in collaboration with the Council of Ghanaian Pastors and Churches (COGPAC) and the
Gospel Light International Church in Tacoma, Maryland on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
H.E Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ambassador hosted a reception at the Chancery of the Embassy of Ghana in
Washington DC on Monday, 7th March 2022 as part of the activities to commemorate Ghana’s 65
Independence Anniversary celebration. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Working Together,
Bouncing Back Better”.
Mr. Ernest Amporful, the Head of Chancery welcomed the guests and explained why Ghana had every
reason to celebrate this year’s independence anniversary. He reminded the gathering that Ghana had been
spared from the various challenges of hunger, diseases, ravages of conflicts and insecurities that have
bedevilled the subregion since most of her neighbours gained their independence from colonial rule. He
added that, regardless of the country’s current economic difficulties, there is every cause to be thankful to
God for sustaining the peace in the country.

Subsequently, Mr. Amporful introduced Ambassador Alima Mahama after the National Anthem had been
sung by the U.S based Tema Choir.
Addressing the gathering, Her Excellency Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama asked compatriots to take
pride in Ghana which today is seen as a peaceful and stable country where everyone enjoys the liberties
associated with free speech and rule of law. She observed that “As Ghana marked this milestone, we stand
here proud of the road we have traversed as a country and the positive strides we have made in nation
building in the process.”
She acknowledged the presence of the African diplomatic corps and expressed her appreciation for their
warm welcome and cooperation since she assumed office.
Touching on the theme for the celebration “Working Together, Bouncing Back Better” she said at the onset
of the corona virus in Ghana, government instituted a number of economic stimulus measures such as the
Corona Virus Alleviation Programme and the Emergency Response Plan aimed at providing economic
relief to the people of Ghana. Some of the relief included the provision of free water and sanitation services,
subsidies on electricity for households and businesses. Also, the Government launched the alleviation and
revitalization of enterprises support which was a credit support package intended to support businesses
over the 2 and half year period with aim of mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Again, there was the
Ghana Cares (Obaatanpa) programme with Ghc100 billion targeting five key sectors of the economy, that
is, agriculture, manufacturing, health engineering, ICT and housing and construction.
Ambassador Mahama commended Ghanaians for their ingenuity by turning the dire situation into business
opportunities through the production of locally made hand sanitizers, personal protection equipment and
facemasks for the local market and also for export to the neighboring countries. She further mentioned
some of the various health initiatives currently being pursued by the Government including the “Agenda
111” which is aimed at undertaking major infrastructural investments in the health care sector through the
construction of various health centers across districts and regions in Ghana that do not have a hospital.
Continuing, Ambassador Mahama expressed Ghana’s appreciation to the Government of the United States
of Ghana for its support in the fight against the COVID19 pandemic in the country.

Concluding, Ambassador Mahama reiterated that the Government of Ghana valued the contributions of
every Ghanaian both home and abroad towards the socio-economic development of the country. She
therefore advised them to channel some of their earnings back home for investments and assured them of
the protection and security of their investments in the country. Subsequently, she proposed a toast in
honour of President Nana Akufo-Addo and President Joe Biden as well as for the continuous progress of
the two countries.
In a reply speech, Mr. Michael Gonzalez, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in charge of African
Affairs expressed appreciation for the invitation. On behalf of President Joe Biden and the people of the
United States of America, he congratulated the government of Ghana on its 65 years of nationhood as well
as for the positive socio-economic transformation of the country over the period. He expressed the hope
the current bonds of friendship between the two countries would grow from strength to strength.
The celebration continued with performances by various cultural groups. Present at the reception were
various members of the African Diplomatic Corps, Council of Ghanaian Associations, Ghanaian
Professionals Associations, friends of Ghana, the media, and many others.

By George Kwasi Bright