As part of steps to deepen the bilateral relation between Ghana and Barbados, the Charge d’Affaires of Barbados High Commission to Ghana, Juliette Babb-Riley has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Ebenezer Kojo Kum in Accra, on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

The discussion centred on the bilateral relation of Ghana Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry and Barbados to develop a stronger and closer relationship, noting that there were several areas for bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting also focused on available opportunities that the Ministry and the High Commission could do to nurture the strong relationship between the religious institutions in both countries.

Madam Juliette, in her remakes, traced the historical relationship between Barbados and Ghana, citing similarities of culture heredities and religious values and said there was no difference between Barbados and Ghana, in terms of culture and religious practices.

According to her, many Barbadians traced their ancestors’ home to Ghana, stressing that, Barbados is also a Christian dominated nation just like Ghana. 

HON KUM AND MSADAM JULIETTE

She acknowledged the collaboration of the two nations over the years at the international level and expressed the view that it was necessary such relation continued to cement the already existent mutual relations.

Madam Juliette said the people of Barbados recognized some of their traditions are linked to Ghana, emphasizing that, “we share a common history, our population majority is Christians but we do have a Muslim community as well and so we are looking to collaborate between the various Muslim communities in Barbados and Ghana and discuss ways to bring our two people together.” 

She explained that, though the High Commission is yet to be officially opened in Ghana, the courtesy call formed part of its plans to reach out to State Ministries and their agencies to register their presence in Ghana and to make known of the commencement of works soon in Ghana.

Ghana, she added is a symbol of good governance in West Africa and throughout the African continent.

On his part, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Kojo Kum commended the people of Barbados for having attained its Republic in November, this year.. 

Nonetheless, the Minister who is also a Member of Parliament for Ahanta West said the two countries have a lot to learn and collaborate for the benefit of their citizens.

The Minister noted that there was the need to strengthen the bilateral of collaboration, stressing that, “We have a sense of bonding because of our historical background so we have a lot to collaborate on moving forward.”

“I believe that this is a good beginning and as we move on, looking at other options, programmes and after beyond the return, there are still things we can do together,” Mr. Kum said. 

Barbados was declared a republic in November 2021, ending Britain’s centuries of influence, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834. 

The two nations entered formal diplomatic bilateral relations in 1994, and have both since enjoyed mutual benefits for the past 27 years. 

In September this year, the Barbadian government opened its first High Commission in Ghana as part of efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the countries. 

Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo visited Barbados in 2019, and a subsequent visit of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Ms. Mia Amor Mottley, to Ghana, the same year. 

Source: expressnewsghana.com

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