The Ghanaian community in Togo came together last Friday to celebrate the 69th anniversary of Ghana’s independence, commemorating the milestone far from their homeland.

The event was hosted by the Ghanaian Embassy in Lomé, at the residence of His Excellency Captain George Nfodjo (rtd.), the newly appointed High Commissioner of Ghana to Togo.

The reception attracted a distinguished gathering, including Togolese officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Togo, religious and traditional leaders, as well as members of the Ghanaian diaspora.

In his address, High Commissioner Captain Nfodjo reflected on Ghana’s historic journey to independence on 5 March 1957, when the former Gold Coast, under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, became the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule.

He noted that this landmark event ignited hope across the continent and catalysed the broader struggle for freedom and self-determination.

“Today marks exactly 69 years since Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to attain its independence. This historic milestone affirmed our continent’s right to freedom and self-determination,” he said.

The High Commissioner highlighted this year’s Independence Day theme, “Building Prosperity and Restoring Hope”, as a reflection of Ghana’s commitment to economic resilience, inclusive growth, and improved living conditions for its citizens.

He emphasised that achieving these goals would require bold and innovative measures.

“Building prosperity requires sound economic management, industrial development, agricultural modernisation, digital innovation, and private sector dynamism. It also demands regional integration and enhanced intra-African trade, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” His Excellency Nfodjo told attendees.

He further underscored the enduring historical, cultural, and familial ties between Ghanaians and Togolese.

“Celebrating Ghana’s sovereignty here in the Republic of Togo is particularly meaningful. Our peoples share not only a border, but deep historical, cultural, and familial connections. Many families straddle both sides of our frontier, reflecting the natural interconnectedness of our two nations,” he said.

The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Ghana’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation to address shared challenges and promote regional stability.

“The future of our two nations is intertwined. By enhancing cooperation, addressing challenges with sincerity, and building on shared achievements, we can ensure prosperity for our peoples and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of West Africa,” he added.

He highlighted the significant strides made in security collaboration, particularly in combating cross-border crime under the Accra Initiative, a regional security mechanism facilitating intelligence sharing and coordinated border management.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant showcase of Ghanaian products and cuisine, featuring offerings from Jabali, TT Brothers, Bel Industries, Joy Industries, GIHOC, and traditional Ghanaian dishes.

The event also served as a reminder of the strong ancestral and cultural bonds between Ghanaians and communities in southern Togo, particularly among the Aneho Gan and Ewe peoples, whose shared heritage continues to strengthen ties across the border.