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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said that H.M. Queen Elizabeth II’s life and times offer important lessons in unselfish public service and leadership that are worthy of imitation in the current period.
President Akufo-representative Addo’s at the event, Dr. Bawumia, recalled Ghana’s “historic” relations with the Commonwealth and the Queen, before and even after Ghana gained her independence in 1957. The service was jointly organized by the Anglican Communion, Ghana, and the British High Commission.
“As a member of the Commonwealth, Ghana has had an historic relationship with the UK, and by extension Her Majesty the Queen. The passing of Her Majesty the Queen has been received here with heavy hearts, prompting His Excellency the President to direct that all official flags in Ghana fly at half-mast for seven days.
“The highpoints of Ghana’s relationship with her majesty were in the years 1961 and 1999 with her official visits. Indeed, in her 1961 visit, a special high-life tune was composed in her honour called Welcome Your Majesty.
“Her famous dance with Ghana’s first President and influential Pan-Africanist, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at a farewell ball in Accra in 1961, was described by scholars as both symbolic and significant to the Commonwealth.”
Dr. Bawumia stressed that the late monarch’s 96-year long life and 70 years of rule as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Realms and as head of the Commonwealth are worth honoring despite the fact that her departure shocked the entire globe.
In a time when the African continent saw powerful anticolonial and independence surges, Her Majesty the Queen displayed exceptional leadership (1950s and 60s).
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Commonwealth underwent such a significant transition during her rule.
“In these roles (Queen of the United Kingdom and the Realms and as head of the Commonwealth) Her Majesty had a yeoman’s task of overseeing the transition of Great Britain from the tensions of the post-World War II era, especially the Cold War, playing an instrumental role in granting independence to former British colonies, one of which is our beloved Ghana, and contributing immensely to the relative peace the world has enjoyed since the end of the second world war.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate a great woman who was an embodiment of virtue, courage and affection, it is my prayer that God will accept her gentle soul to a peaceful rest.
“Once again, on behalf of H.E. the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and all Ghanaians, I wish His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth my deepest condolences.”
The late monarch’s commitment to service had a significant influence on the UK, the Commonwealth, and the rest of the globe, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S.M. Torto, urged Ghanaians in a brief sermon.
“Let’s learn how to help. We have a duty to serve our country.Do not wait until someone starts speaking before joining. Serve your family, your community, and the country as a whole”Dr Bawumia added.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
