THE Islamic Republic of Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to political independence, regional peace, and strengthened bilateral cooperation with Ghana.

The Ambassador of Iran to Ghana, Mr Ali Ghomshi, said despite sanctions and complex regional developments, Iran had continued to pursue national development through scientific advancement, economic resilience, and balanced diplomacy.

He made the remarks at a reception held in Accra to mark the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished political, cultural and economic personalities.

Describing the 1979 Islamic Revolution as the manifestation of the Iranian people’s will to secure independence, sovereignty, and governance based on human dignity, Mr Ghomshi highlighted Iran’s progress over nearly five decades.

He said the country had achieved significant gains in science and technology, with thousands of knowledge-based companies active in fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, alongside self-sufficiency in health and medicine.

In the economic sector, he cited growth in industrial production, diversification of non-oil exports, and the establishment of a “resistance economy” as evidence of resilience despite sanctions and challenging global conditions.

The ambassador also highlighted improvements in social and infrastructure services, including expanded healthcare coverage, national housing projects, access to drinking water, and communication networks, which he said had contributed to improving citizens’ quality of life.

Touching on foreign policy, Mr Ghomshi stated that Iran remained a responsible, independent, and peace-seeking actor. He indicated that the country pursued dynamic diplomacy, emphasising engagement with regional neighbours, emerging powers, and participation in international organisations, adding that respect for national sovereignty was critical to lasting peace.

On recent developments, he noted that Iran had entered nuclear negotiations in good faith and commenced a new round of talks with the United States in Muscat on February 10, stressing mutual respect and equal standing as necessary for a sustainable agreement.

He further referenced peaceful protests that began on December 28, 2025, over economic issues, which he said were exploited by terrorist elements. Mr Ghomshi mentioned that the government exercised restraint while ensuring national security, and paid tribute to law enforcement personnel who were martyred or injured during the unrest.

The ambassador also celebrated nearly five decades of diplomatic relations between Ghana and Iran.

• Mr Ali Ghomshi (inset) speaking to some guests at the event

He recalled that relations entered a new phase in 1985 and had been marked by constructive cooperation, citing the historic visit of President John Dramani Mahama to Iran and seven rounds of the Joint Economic Commission.

Moreover, he noted that over 20 memoranda of understanding had been signed in areas such as energy, health, education, and technology.

Mr Ghomshi added that Ghana remained Iran’s leading trade partner in Africa, with cocoa products playing a significant role in Iranian industry.

Highlighting people-to-people links, he noted that the Islamic University of Ghana and the Iran Clinic Polyclinic had become enduring symbols of friendship. According to him, the clinic provided medical services to about 200,000 Ghanaians in the past year, while the university established a Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery to support human development in the country.