As part of activities to commemorate the 71st Commonwealth Day celebration, a church service was held on 12th March, 2023, at the Accra Ridge Church as a precursor to the celebration.
Mr. John Apea the Head of Mission, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Ghana, in his address expressed his gratitude to the congregation for availing themselves and the Ridge Church for hosting the service. He also promised to promote the presence of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in Ghana.
The Charge d’Affaires of the Rwandan High Commission to Ghana, Mr. Theophile Rurangwa who represented H.E. President Paul Kagame, Chair-in-office of the Commonwealth, in his speech noted that the force of diversity will unify the Commonwealth Nations. The unified strength he believed will create prosperity amongst all the nations.
The Deputy-Lieutenant to His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom, Reverend Nims Obunge Mbe informed that, the celebration marks ten years of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter by the Late Queen Elizabeth II as well as preserving the core values of the Organisation. He also stated that, as a family of nations, the Commonwealth has great days ahead, led by His Majesty, King Charles III. He called on Ghana and the other Commonwealth nations to respond to the challenges which are threats to peace and prosperity.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Thomas Mbomba MP, and the British High Commissioner, H.E. Harriet Thompson, led the congregation to read the Commonwealth Affirmation to reaffirm commitment to the values of the Commonwealth.
The former GPCC president and the former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Reverend Paul Frimpong- Manso, who represented all faiths, encouraged cooperation between the Commonwealth and all other institutions for the sake of international progress. He also stated that, the Commonwealth has over the years championed international peace and breached inequality gaps through democratic rights, principles and strengthened economic ties amongst its member nations. He also mentioned that the Commonwealth has become a synonym and a catalyst for world peace.