Former Dundee resident hosts royalty in Ghana

TOUR: Man spends five days with Duke and Duchess in the west African country

A former Dundee man has spoken of his “cherished memories” after spending five days with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla in Africa.

Iain Walker, a former Hillside Primary and Harris Academy pupil who graduated from Dundee University with a degree in law in 1998, is the UK’s High Commissioner to Ghana.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have just left Ghana for Nigeria after being accompanied by Mr Walker throughout the second leg of their West African tour.

Mr Walker said: “The UK and Ghana’s shared history and common values form the basis of our enduring friendship.

“But it’s the many and varied links between our peoples which make our ties so unique.

“The last five days have gone in a flash but memories to cherish and much to take forward.

“This royal visit focused firmly on shaping the future of the UK and Ghana relations, built on the incredible connections between our people.”

Mr Walker said growing a closer partnership for the future was rooted in the UK and Ghana’s “shared history and shared values”.

Prince Charles had to take advice from Mr Walker when he attended the grand Akwasidae of Asanteman at the Manhyia Palace.

He was particularly fascinated with a lion that was being carried by one of the servants of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Prince Charles, who was on the dais, was seen pointing at the stuffed lion.

The Asantehene usually sits on the lion during public events, including Akwasidae.

Prince Charles was seen asking Mr Walker about the significance of the lion after staring at it for several minutes.

Mr Walker wore a kilt to a state banquet where he danced with the Second Lady of Ghana while the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall also took to the dance floor.

Mr Walker has been the UK’s High Commissioner to Ghana since August 2017.

He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2010 and before that he had worked for Ernst and Young and Price Water house Coopers.

Mr Walker is also the UK’s ambassador to Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso and lives in Ghana with his wife Claire and their three children.

He has previously worked in Malawi, Ethiopia and Kenya but never in Ghana and is currently on a four-year posting.

Picture: Tim Rooke. Prince Charles sits with Ian Walker as he visits the Manhyia Palace.