Namibia celebrates 26th independence anniversary
The Namibian High Commission, has celebrated the country’s 26th independence anniversary and its achievements in different sectors towards development.
The celebration, which was held in Accra was attended by government officials, Ambassadors from various countries, and other dignitaries.
Mr Charles B. Josob, High Commissioner said even though Namibia is a young country, it has managed to achieve sustainable development.
Speaking about Namibia’s relations with Ghana, he said: “The excellent relations between Namibia and Ghana have always been characterised by a common vision and a desire to strengthen our cooperation.
“We continue to share a mutual vision and purpose in the struggle towards the consolidation of peace, economic emancipation and poverty reduction.”
Mr Josob noted that Ghana has always been the torchbearer for freedom of Africans including Namibia, which makes Namibians reserve strong sentiments for Ghanaians.
He said he was pleased to report that delegations from Namibia have been visiting Ghana over the past year to identify more areas of cooperation.
He mentioned health, education and justice as the main areas of engagement during the visits, and Namibia intends to send students to study in Ghana.
Mr Josob noted that Namibia has keen interest in the Ghanaian Judicial system as well as the operations of the Ghanaian Students Loan Trust Fund.
He said cooperation in areas such as aquaculture, mining and tourism would enable Ghana and Namibia to address common challenges including unemployment and poverty that many people face.
“The trade between the two countries is still at very low pace and level and Namibia is looking forward to import goods from Ghana such as textiles, gold, coffee, nuts, and timber.”
He disclosed that Namibia is in the process of searching for alternative markets for Namibian fish, beef, beverages, and other meat products.
The High Commissioner announced that Namibia is organising an International Investment Conference (IIC) on the theme: “The Journey Towards Prosperity for All,” which is scheduled for May 12 – May 13.
He said the conference would showcase a pipeline of investment projects; attract local, regional and international investors in targeted sectors that can contribute towards economic growth and job creation.
He explained that the ultimate goal of the show is to pair projects with investment capital in a focused and targeted manner and avoid the standard format of general investment attractiveness of the country.
Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation congratulated Mr Hage Geingob, President of Namibia and Namibians for the anniversary celebration.
“It is indeed our fervent hope that Namibia, in the forthcoming years will witness many more fulfilling independence anniversaries that will be characterised by economic growth and socio-political advancement.
“I wish to reiterate that Ghana and Namibia have greater potentials for the deepening of the already existing cordial bilateral relations.”
Mr Ayariga noted that Ghana is readily available to cooperate with Namibia in the fields of Trade, Tourism, Aquaculture, Health and Judicial matters and as well tap into newer areas to work towards the expansion of ties between the public and private sectors of both countries.
He said the impending introduction of the visa-on-arrival policy for African Union citizenry, which is indeed a laudable initiative would help promote the movement of persons between the two countries as well as other countries within the African region and boost the tourism sectors of member states.
The Minister invited all stakeholders in the Ghanaian business community to consider participating in the forthcoming IIC to tap into the wealth of commercial and investment expertise between the two countries.
Source: GNA