The Foreign Affairs Minister has underlined Ghana’s remarkable role in championing the values of the Commonwealth which includes protection of human rights, promotion of good governance, free trade as well as literacy and education.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said it is Ghana’s unshakeable belief in promoting freedom for all which sparked the chain of the independence struggle in Africa and ended the dark cloud of colonialism in Africa.

On the occasion of the Commonwealth Day which also marked the 70th Anniversary of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Minister said Ghana continues to play an invaluable role in the affairs of the Commonwealth.

“Since joining the organization Ghana has played an active role in the realization of its values…”

“We believe in the fundamental values of the organization which included democracy, freedom, respect for human rights, rule of law and opportunity for all,” she said at the Flag-raising ceremony held at the premises of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to herald the day’s celebration.

The Africa head of the Royal Commonwealth Society John Apea read the Queen’s speech which enjoined nations within the Commonwealth to pool together its people and resources for the greater good of the Commonwealth nations.

With meticulous detail, Mr Apea raised the flag of the Commonwealth as students of the Roman Ridge School sang the melodious Commonwealth Anthem.

The Foreign Minister also raised the flag of Ghana as men, women of the Ghana Armed Forces on parade performed the national anthem.

In attendance were heads of missions including the British High Commissioner Ian Walker, Chair of the Commonwealth Human Rights Commission Mr Sam Okudzeto, head of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Mina Mensah.

The flag raising marked the beginning of the Commonwealth Day activities with a model Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) debate held later by students of British International School and Hydeson International School.

The topic for the debate was the call to ban plastics in schools in Commonwealth countries.