A renowned International Evangelist, Dr Lawrence Tetteh, has been honoured by the Hungary President Janos Ader with the honours of ‘Knight Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary.’

The award follows his pivotal role played in establishing bilateral relations between Ghana and Hungary.

The ‘Knight Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary’ is one of the highest honours awarded by the Hungarian government to its citizens and foreign individuals whose contributions to the welfare of Hungarians are outstanding.

Speaking at an event held at the Hungarian Embassy on Wednesday, the Hungary Ambassador to Ghana, Tamás Endre Fehér, revealed the Reverend Minister is the second Ghanaian to receive such the honour, adding that his efforts in strengthening relations between both countries are commendable.

“Reverend Dr. Lawrence Tetteh the second recipient, as a reward for his contributions to the overall development of a bilateral relationship between Hungary and Ghana, the President of Hungary his Excellency President Janos Ader decided to confer upon him ‘Knight Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary’,” the Ambassador said.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Dr. Lawrence Tetteh recalled his experiences in Hungary and urged Ghanaians to maintain peace, which he believes is essential for development.

“I left for Hungary when I was in my early 20s. It was a virgin land for some of us. To be a leader of that land you need to fight. The Hungarians did me good.

“Let’s learn to do things right and people will recognise us. Learn to create an atmosphere of peace and Ghana will soar high,” he exhorted.

Former President John Agyekum Kufour who doubled as the Special Guest of Honour mentioned that Ghana, after independence, did not have diplomatic relations with Hungary until his tenure as President.

This he attributes to the unwavering efforts of the evangelist which led to the establishment of the current Hungarian Embassy in the country.

“It was strange that we didn’t have any formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. I got intrigued and I was thinking perhaps Lawrence has contributed to the eventual opening of a formal Embassy here. And if it succeeded then, perhaps, the President of Hungary will deem it fit to confer this honour on him.”

Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, enumerated some of Dr Tetteh's contributions to her administration.

“He is an embodiment of relations between our two countries. Ambassadors come and go but Dr Lawrence Tetteh lives here, ensuring that the relationships between our two countries continue to be friendly, cordial and strengthened.

“When I became Foreign Minister, he came to my office and encouraged me. Each time he comes it is about what Ghana can do with Hungary.”

Currently, the government of Ghana is working to secure education opportunities for stranded students in Hungary, following the Russia-Ukraine crisis.