The  anniversary celebration saw the Indian community in the country gather at the Indian House in Accra yesterday to commemorate the day. 

The flag-hoisting ceremony is an annual event during which Indians all over the world foster national unity and maintain stronger bonds, sing patriotic songs and honour the memory of the national heroes who fought for the liberation of the country. It is also an event which celebrates the 75th year of the country’s Constitution.

Call

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Manish Gupta, called on the Indian community in Ghana to maintain the spirit of nationalism and unity.

He urged them to remember the fight for freedom by their great national heroes who were led by Mahatma Gandhi, who sacrificed for the nation’s freedom 78 years ago.

“I want to call on the Indian community in Ghana to continue to remember the uniqueness of our country, remember and honour the memories of our national heroes and foster a sense of unity,” he said.

He added that although they were far from home, nationalism and unity must always be in their hearts to continue to relate with one another, and do business together to grow together.

Mr Gupta noted that India was making giant strides across the world, and would steadily soon become one of the top three economies in the world after 78 years of independence.

“It is a matter of pride for all that India has become the fifth largest economy in the world, and we are also poised to become one of the top three economies soon.

This has been made possible only by the tireless hard work of farmers and workers, by the farsightedness of planners and wealth-creators, and by visionary leadership,” he said.

He indicated that the rapid but equitable progress made by India has given it a higher stature in global affairs, adding that “after the successful completion of its G-20 Presidency, India has consolidated its role as the voice of the Global South”.

He added that the Indian government was taking steps to remove colonial relics, and ensure justice among victims of crime and not only focus on punishment.

“Let me also mention here that in adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year, we have removed one more relic of the colonial era. The New code is oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone,” Mr Gupta added.

Relation

Mr Gupta lauded the relationship between India and Ghana who have shared many similar experiences dating from the relationship between Ghana’s First President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s First Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

“In fact, in this part of the world, this is one of our most privileged relationships. This dates back to the times of the founding President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Since then, this relationship, I must say, has gone from strength to strength,” he said.

He said the Indian High Commission was committed to fostering stronger cooperation with Ghana to enhance trade among businesses of the two countries, as well as people-to-people linkages.