He noted that at a time of increasing security threats around the world, it was inspiring to see the Asantehene make great strides in bringing together the different segments of the people of Ghana.

Ambassador Maher Kheir said these when he led a delegation of the Lebanese community to visit the Manhyia Palace to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

He said that conflicts, tensions and chaos were still among the most important obstacles impeding the rapid growth of countries around the world, including African countries.

For this reason, he noted that Asantehene’s work deserved all the praise and support from all Ghanaians.

Ambassador Kheir stated that Lebanon was a country of cultural and religious pluralism, and the visit was aimed at building a lasting relationship with the various segments of the Ghanaian people, especially the Ashantis, as well as to explore  possible areas of cooperation and investment.

He recalled that “Ghanaian-Lebanese relations goes beyond a century.  Most of the Lebanese have contributed and continue to make significant contributions in several fields, including education”.

The Ambassador added that education was the basis for the progress of every society.  That is why they created the Lebanese Scholarships Programme in 2013 which had supported at least 400 students in many different fields in Accra and Kumasi.

 He promised that the Community would do more going forward.

“We believe education is the foundation of every society’s progress so we set up the Lebanese Scholarship Programme in 2013 which has helped about 400 students in many different fields in Accra and Kumasi. We will do our best to reach more students in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

Mr Kheir commended Asantehene for his contribution to youth development.

“Your major contribution in the social and economic sphere as well as to security and peace is considered essential.  Your wise leadership is reflected in your passionate investment in youth development” he noted.

According to him, this is a rich opportunity for the Lebanese to cooperate because they share the same vision of developing human resources for national growth.

The Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II who welcomed the delegation for the visit thanked the Lebanese for expressing interest in building a cordial relationship with the people of the Ashanti Region.

He commended the Lebanese Community for the numerous contributions to support students in Kumasi and to create positive change in the Ghanaian society.

The Asantehene however appealed for more to be done to support more students from the region to access higher education.

He also called for new investments to create more jobs for the youth, improve livelihoods and boost the domestic economy.