Accra, Jan. 26, GNA – The High Commission of India in Ghana has marked the 73rd Republic Day celebration of India with a pledge to enhance and strengthen bilateral ties with Ghana.
India celebrates January 26 as Republic Day, with this year’s marking the 73rd celebration.
While India gained independence from the British in 1947, it was not until January 26, 1950, that the Indian Constitution came into effect, making it a sovereign state and a republic.
The commemoration, held at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Sugandh Rajaram, was characterised by traditional Indian music and cultural performances by Indian pupils showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and the spirit of nationalism.
It was attended by the Indian community, high profile Indian residents in Accra and staff of the consulate.
Mr Rajaram, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said “on India’s Republic Day, Indians recommit themselves to contribute to the nation-building process” because they had adopted and given to themselves the constitution of the State.
He said India was celebrating 75 years of independence this year and that the year was special because a series of activities that had been planned in India and across the world.
The High Commissioner said in Ghana, the consulate had already launched the 75th Independence commemoration in March 2021 with celebrations throughout the year until August 2023.
He said India-Ghana relations had traditionally been warm and friendly, and that such ties would continue to be strengthened further for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The strong foundation of bilateral relations was laid by India’s first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Mr Rajaram further stated that Ghana and India had been partners throughout the struggle against colonial rule and learning from each other’s experiences.
“Our Presidents then and now, have continued to work together in areas of socio-cultural, economic, science among others,” he emphasised.
The bilateral relationship is formidable, and the strides India had made in the last 75 years had been with its close partners globally and Ghana topped such partnership, he said.
GNA