By Rukayatu Musah
Luanda, Angola – Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has met with members of the Ghanaian community in Luanda, Angola, to receive first-hand information about their challenges and progress. The interactive session formed part of her engagements during her visit to Angola. Welcoming her, President of the Ghanaian Community Association in Luanda, Laud Baddoo, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“Ghanaians in Angola work hard, contribute positively, uphold discipline, unity and service, and celebrate Ghana’s economic progress, reduced inflation and growing continental respect,”
Mr. Baddoo said.
He expressed gratitude to Ghana’s Ambassador to Angola, Mavis Kusogbor, and her team for their continuous support, while appealing for key services to be brought closer to the community.
“We appeal for Ghana Card registration in Luanda and easier travel and visa arrangements between Ghana and Angola to boost economic and people-to-people ties,”
he added.
Ghana’s Ambassador to Angola, Mavis Kusogbor, commended the Ghanaian community in Luanda for their exemplary conduct and their role in promoting Ghana’s image.
“The Ghanaian community in Luanda continues to project a positive image of our country, and I commend you for your conduct and commitment,”
Ambassador Kusogbor said.
She pledged to deepen cooperation between Ghana and Angola:
“We will leave no stone unturned in efforts to further strengthen relations between our two countries.”
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Okudjeto Ablakwa, also lauded the community’s loyalty and support.
“We deeply appreciate your loyalty and commitment, and the confidence you continue to repose in my office to intervene and address your concerns,”
the Minister noted.
He praised their continued collaboration with the embassy and their pride in promoting Ghana’s good name, urging them to remain united:
“Continue to remain united as one strong, cohesive family.”
Mr. Ablakwa assured them that their concerns had been heard at the highest level:
“The Vice President has carefully listened to your concerns and will act swiftly. This government is one that fulfils its promises and responds promptly to the needs of our diaspora,”
he said, recalling similar successful interventions for Ghanaians in Nigeria.
Extending an invitation to the upcoming Diaspora Summit in Accra from 19–20 December, he described it as:
“A grand homecoming and reunion, where discussions will focus on investment opportunities, including a diaspora bond to provide a secure and clearly defined channel for diaspora investment, guaranteed by President Mahama.” He added that the summit will serve as a major strategy session to reset and accelerate Ghana’s development agenda with the active participation of its global citizens.
Vice President Reaffirms Historic Ties and Inclusive Agenda. Addressing the community, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the longstanding partnership between Ghana and Angola.
“The ties between Ghana and Angola are strong and historic. Our forebears played a role in supporting Angola’s independence struggle, and that spirit of solidarity continues today,” she said.
She praised the Ghanaian community for their positive reputation, sacrifices, hard work and contributions
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged all Ghanaians in Angola to stay close to official institutions encouraging them to all register with the embassy and rely on official channels for accurate information. She acknowledged their appeal for access to national identification services assuring then that efforts will be made to address it.
She underlined the focus of President Mahama’s administration on inclusive governance, “Ghana honours its past, but our focus is on moving the country forward through inclusive governance that brings the marginalized to the centre and ensures that development benefits every Ghanaian.” she said
Outlining the government’s economic transformation agenda, the Vice President said:
“We are determined to process more of our raw materials, such as cocoa, to create decent jobs, grow wealth at home and reduce the pressure to migrate.” She added:
“Ghana is working towards ensuring that every citizen has access to basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, while promoting skills development and harnessing the diverse talents of our people.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also stressed the need for a new approach to the country’s resources:
“We must rethink how we manage our mineral and natural resources so that they better serve our citizens.”
Welcoming ideas and support from abroad, she emphasized that nation-building is a shared effort and requires the active participation and contributions of all Ghanaians, wherever they live.
She concluded by assuring the community that their concerns and proposals would feed into government policy and action, reaffirming:
“We value you, we hear you, and we are committed to working with you to build the Ghana we all desire.”
