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Togo
confers national honours on two Ghanaian officials
From: Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah, GNA Special Correspondent,
Lome, Togo
Lome, April 28, GNA - President Faure Ezzozimna Gnassingbe
of Togo at the weekend conferred his country’s highest
honour, “The Commander of the Order of Mono,” on two
Ghanaian officials for their commitment to the deepening of
bilateral relations.
The Togolese President personally decorated Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah,
Minister of Defence and Mr D.K. Osei, Secretary to President
John Agyekum Kufuor, at a State Banquet as part of
activities marking Togo’s 48th independence anniversary.
Five Togolese and a Burkinabe were also honoured at the
function that climaxed the celebrations that included an
anniversary parade.
The Togolese officials expressed appreciation for the manner
the two officials carried out their official duties in line
with Ghana/Togo relations which had led to the creation of
an enabling environment for peace, stability and development
in Togo.
The Ghana Armed Forces Central Band, which was part of the
Ghanaian contingent to celebrate the day, thrilled the
audience to local songs that drew protracted cheers.
Mr Kan-Dapaah told the GNA in an interview that relations
between Ghana and Togo outlived the advent of colonialism
and it was therefore not surprising that President Kufuor
has strong ties with his Togolese counterpart.
He expressed the hope that the lifting of sanctions imposed
on Togo by the international community would accelerate
socio-economic development.
“Ghana would do everything possible to ensure that Togo goes
through smooth transition,” Mr Kan-Dapaah said.
The National Day celebration is the brain child of President
Gnassingbe who is building bridges to unite a country that
nearly sank into civil strife after the death of his father,
President Gnassingbe Eyadema in 2006, following a disputed
general election.
Placard bearing revellers at the parade displayed messages
that include: “We want peace to prevail in Togo,” “No more
conflicts.”
President Gnassingbe, who did not deliver any anniversary
speech, was greeted with cheers at the parade grounds where
he took the National Salute under the watchful eyes of
stern-looking security personnel.
GNA
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