AGRIK marks 59th anniversary of Ghana’s independence
‘Steer off human trafficking, immoral activities’
KUWAIT CITY, April 1: The 59th anniversary of Ghana’s independence was March 6th. Ghanaians the world over came together to celebrate the day, the Association of Ghanaians Resident in Kuwait (AGRIK) did the celebration on Friday evening.
Speaking at the event, AGRIK President, Hajia Wurche Maryam Wayo said “Ghana is endowed with numerous investment potential which I wish to draw to the attention of potential investors. The relative stability of the new Ghanaian cedi, the easy currency conversions and transferability, coupled with our stable political system, evidenced by the several, peaceful inter-party transfer of power in the past 20+ years suggest that all investments will be secure and safe, without the uncertain- ties often associated with unstable countries or regimes. Returns on investment are of international standards if not better and Ghana encourages serious investors to take advantage of our generosity, peaceful nature and warm hospitality to visit and invest in Ghana”
The President, however, cautioned that businesses that involve human trafficking or labor exploitation in any form or shape are not welcome in Ghana, adding that the country and its citizens, home and abroad, security forces and agencies are vigilant to ensure that all such practices are dealt with severely and in accordance with international laws. She also warned that any Ghanaian residing in Kuwait who indulges in human trafficking or any other social vices will suffer the consequences.
Ghana has experienced power shortages in the last several years due to changes in rainfall patterns that affected water drainage into the Volta River that drives the turbines at the Akosombo Dam. The resultant load shedding that came as a consequence of those changes popularly called “Dumsor” is becoming a thing of the past in the last year.
The President thanked all African embassies for taking time off their busy schedules to honor the invitation to grace the event. Her special thanks went to the Ghana Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Said Sinare who could not make it to the event due to commitments in Ghana and was represented by Habib Idris, the consulgeneral of the consulate in Riyadh.
Special thanks also went to the Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Togo for their constant and unwavering support over the years. “You have been dependable to us Ghanaians in Kuwait anytime we call on you for help. We the Ghanaian community thank you for patronizing our events and for your moral support to our cause in Kuwait”, stated the President.
President Wayo also thanked the Kuwaiti government represented by lawyer Falah Al-Mutairi, director of the Expatriate lodging centre for the special care and protection given to the helpless Ghanaian girls who are victims of human trafficking by unscrupulous agents. Most of the girls in the lodging centre were present at the event to partake in the joyous occasion.
AGRIK executives who despite the challenges faced in a foreign country, work tirelessly day-in-day-out to further the cause of the association as well as working extremely hard taking care of the business of Ghanaians, also came in for some appreciation.
The executives are President – Hajia Maryam Wayo, Vice-President – Baba Imoro, Secretary – Mrs Getrude Essa Acolatse, Public Relations Officer – Luqman Awudu, Social Affairs Officer – Ms Nafisa Abukari, Financial Secretary – Abdullah Idris, Student Affairs Coordinator – Burhan Yahya.
Special thanks also went to past executives, Professors Anderson and Kombian who are always on standby to support when needed, as well as Ahmad Abdul Rahman Trawere, Hajia’s husband, backbone and special advisor. Thanks also went to the expatriate friends of Ghana who routinely patronize the celebrations, year after year. Long live Kuwait, long live Africa!!