The Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi Bonte II, has honoured the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, at a colourful ceremony at the palace in Jamestown.
The honour was in recognition of her role in ensuring peace in the country and Accra in particular before, during and after the 2024 general election.
It was also to recognise her for her role in promoting cultural tourism and business investment in the country.
In attendance at the ceremony yesterday were some traditional leaders, and representative from some corporate institutions.
His Royal Majesty, the King of Gbese and the Adonteng of the Ga State, Nii Ayi Bonte II, graciously compliments and wishes to recognise the invaluable role you played to uphold the peace of the Ga State and for that matter Ghana during the December 7, 2024 elections in Ghana,” a citation accompanying the honour stated in part.
It said her immense role in supporting the peace council, civic education, conflict prevention initiatives as well as strengthening the capacity of the peace architecture established by members of the diplomatic community “cannot be overemphasised”.
To this end, the citation indicated, Nii Ayi Bonte II and the entire Ga State “recognise your exemplary contribution to peaceful election and appreciate you sincerely”.
It said in the spirit of friendship, the people of Gbese hail Ms Palmer’s contribution and, therefore, bestowed royal blessings and esteem of the highest honour on her.
Historic
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Gbese Traditional Council, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, said not only was the presence of Mrs Palmer to the palace historic, but it also demonstrated the true bond of friendship between the United States and the Gbese Traditional Area.
He said even though the 2024 election was characterised by tension which also created fear and panic, it took the diplomatic work of Mrs Palmer and others to ensure peace across the country.
Nii Ayi Bonte said it was for that reason that the traditional council had elected to confer the honour on her.
In addition, he said the traditional council was keen in promoting cultural tourism and business investment to advance the cause of Gbese, and the country as a whole.
“In September 2024, the Gbese Mantse and team attended the CEO Summit in Virginia, USA, to drive home investment opportunities. We are confident that some of the businesses we interacted with will follow up to come see the business opportunities available in Ghana,” he stated.
Gratitude
Ms Palmer, who was decorated by the Gbese Manye Seekwelo and Ga Manye, Naa Ayikaikor Nicco-Annan, with a kente cloth, expressed gratitude to the council and Nii Ayi Bonte for the recognition.
She stated that Ghana and the US had stronger relations in terms of their democratic tenets and despite the challenges both countries were faced with, they believed elections must not degenerate.
Ms Palmer said her outfit would continue to strengthen ties with the Gbese Traditional Area to see how cultural tourism could be harnessed for socio-economic development, stressing that a lot of Americans visited Ghana because of their ties.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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