Aglis wishes Seychelles a happy Independence Day 2020 |30 June 2020
A group picture of Aglis celebrating Ghana’s 63rd independence day right here in Seychelles
The Association of Ghanaian living in Seychelles (Aglis) sends our best wishes to the government and people of Seychelles as you celebrate your country’s 44thIndependence Day. Over the last few months, the coronavirus pandemic has plunged the global economy into a recession, with the devastating effects there for everyone to see.
This period has presented the world with its greatest challenge in recent years, as world powers struggle to deal with the coronavirus that has weakened the economic spine of virtually every nation on the globe. In spite of these challenges, we are optimistic that the world will overcome this, with new vaccines in the pipeline and most countries on a reset now in a bid to achieve normalcy.
An earlier article written by our outfit commended the government and people of Seychelles for the way they have dealt with the coronavirus pandemic so far. The government was swift in coming up with strategies that reduced the number of cases, made sure those infected were isolated and taken care of and resulted in a zero death toll. Further strides were made with regard to calming tension, securing jobs and steering the country towards normalcy. Our admiration for you hasn’t changed, as you continue to make efforts to put the economy back on track while observing all protocols such as social distancing.
Our country Ghana and yours have a few things in common. On a first account, we both belong to the great Commonwealth of nations, an association born out of British colonisation. In 1896, at the height of British colonialism in Africa, the British government discontinued the office of Asantehene – the absolute ruler of the Ashanti people – and exiled the then-king, Nana Agyemang Prempeh 1 (current Asantehene’s great uncle), Yaa Asantewaa (queen mother of Ejisu and Ashanti war heroine) and some prominent Ashanti royals. Yaa Asantewaa died in exile in the Seychelles on October 17, 1921. Three years after her death, on December 17, 1924, Prempeh I and the other remaining members of the exiled Asante court were allowed to return to Asante, though some of their descendants have remained in Seychelles.
Ever since this seed was sown, there has been close collaboration between the two nations in many areas. In April 2015 (almost 120 years after his family was exiled), King of Ashanti, His Royal Highness King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II paid a visit to Seychelles to reconnect with his ancestors. This historic visit marked a significant milestone in the relations between the two countries. Otumfuo and his entourage were given a high profile reception at the State House. The king and his entourage brought a mixture of carnival atmosphere and African culture to the prestigious venue which usually hosts high profile ceremonies and presidential meetings.
Over the years your country has welcomed with open arms expatriates from Ghana who have worked in various sectors and industries. There have been Ghanaians who have worked or are currently working as clergymen, teachers, doctors, bankers, factory workers, construction workers, security guards, to name a few. You have accepted us all and lived with us in peace. We commend you for this.
As you celebrate this special day, we wish you nothing but good fortunes in these challenging times. Our community will offer all the support you need to sail this ship to the promise land. With what we have seen so far we are very optimistic that your government and people will sail through this difficult period, as the country seeks to become economically vibrant again.
We are one people and as Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, said in his 1957 Independence speech: “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked to the total liberation of the African continent”. We hope that relations between Ghana and Seychelles will be stronger as they have ever been. Happy 44th Independence Day.
Well-done, Ayekoo!
By Adu-Ampomah Yaw Junior (PhD)
