Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malta, Ms. Barbara Akuokor Benisa, has expressed the commitment of the government and people of Ghana to a continued cooperation and collaboration with Malta on issues of mutual concern and benefit.

She said Ghana and Malta, which shared long-standing historical ties, had signed Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation (PJCC) agreement and other memoranda of understanding (MoUs) which governed their relationship and pursuits.

Speaking ahead of the 57th Independence Day of Malta tomorrow, which also coincides with the Kwame Nkrumah Day, Ms. Benisa also expressed the hope that the Bilateral Air Agreement between the two countries would come into fruition during her tour of duty.

“I wish to assure you of the commitment of the government and people of Ghana to a continued co-operation and collaboration on issues of mutual concern and benefit to both states,” she stated.

Context

Describing the occasion as a great day for both nations, the High Commissioner said it was on September 21, 1909, that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, Prime Minister, Pan Africanist, and the leader at independence from British rule in 1957, was born for which the day had been set aside to remember him.

Similarly on September 21, 1964, the Republic of Malta, gained independence from British colonial rule, hence today marks 57 years of peace, stability and continuous economic growth.

“Therefore, we join each other today, in celebration of this momentous day in the history of both our countries,” Ms. Benisa said.
Ghana and Malta have enjoyed years of cordial relations, which have further been enhanced in recent years.

The Ghana Mission located in Valletta, Malta, known as “the Valletta Mission”, was relocated to Malta from Libya at the height of the Libyan war, under the leadership of Mr. Kenneth Enos Kofi Tachie, who became the founder High Commissioner.

He was succeeded by Mrs. Mercy Bampo Addo on August 28, 2017 and succeeded by the current High Commissioner.

Ms. Benisa presented her letters of credence and letters of the former’s recall on Thursday, June 24, this year.

Feats

The High Commissioner said many feats had been chalked up under her predecessors, including the exchange of the highest form of diplomacy from both sides in 2017 and 2019.

She said during those state visits, several agreements and MoUs were signed by both sides.

Unfortunately, Ms. Benisa said due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the momentum at which bilateral engagements were going between both countries came to a halt.

It was on that note that the High Commissioner pledged her commitment to work towards deepening the ties and also ensure that the bilateral air agreement between both countries was consummated.

“On that note, I wish to congratulate you on the celebration of the 57th Independence Day of Malta and wish Ghanaians well as we remember our first President. Long live Ghana-Malta relations,” Ms. Benisa stated.