By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
Geneva, Switzerland – President John Dramani Mahama has presented a symbolic Ghanaian cultural plaque to the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly.
The plaque, adorned with Ghana’s traditional Adinkra symbols and mounted against a Kente cloth background, was presented to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as a reflection of Ghana’s cultural identity, heritage and longstanding partnership with the global health body.
President Mahama said Ghana’s participation in the WHO goes beyond contributing to global health discussions, stressing that the country also brings values deeply rooted in its culture and history.
He explained the meanings behind symbols such as Sankofa, Nyame Dua, Dwennimmen and Gye Nyame, describing them as representations of reflection, divine protection, humility, resilience and strength in adversity.
Receiving the plaque, Dr. Tedros praised President Mahama’s leadership and commended Ghana’s advocacy for health sovereignty through the Accra Reset agenda, noting that the message had resonated strongly throughout the Assembly.
He said the symbolic gift would give Ghana a lasting cultural presence at the WHO headquarters.
Officials described the gesture as historic, indicating that it is the first time an African country has presented such a symbolic cultural installation to the WHO headquarters in Geneva.
