Landmark day for Ghana

On Saturday, 14th September, the 25th anniversary of Ghana’s Meridian Twinning between Tema and Greenwich reached its climax. This historic partnership, initially launched by His Royal Highness, the late Prince Philip, at the turn of the Millennium, was commemorated with a vibrant celebration.

The event featured the arrival of an Uber launch, which brought the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, alongside myself, to begin the countdown for the Woolwich Carnival at the Royal Arsenal Woolwich Riverside. The celebration brought together key dignitaries, including Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Head of Governance and Operations at the King Charles III Charitable Fund; Councillor Jit Ranabhat, the newly elected Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich; and Councillor Linda Bird, the Deputy Mayor.

Also in attendance were Peter Mann MBE, chairman of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society and Trustee of the Commonwealth Bond; Councillor Dominic Mbang, former Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (2023); David Howell, Baron Howell of Guildford; Dr. Kaitu’u Funaki, Adviser and Head of Pacific Governance and Peace Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat; Councillor David Gardner; and Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins.

Dignitaries, along with communities from across Greenwich and Woolwich, gathered to reflect the rich diversity of the Commonwealth Diaspora across London and the UK. In a colorful display of unity, young flag bearers carried the Commonwealth Peace Flag in a relay of carnival colors, symbolizing peace and cooperation throughout the Commonwealth. @commonwealth_sec