Israeli Embassy celebrates 77th independence anniversary in Ghana

The Israeli Embassy in Ghana held a reception on Tuesday. This event celebrated Israel's 77th Independence anniversary. It took place at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

The theme for the event was “Bridges of Hope.” Many guests wore blue and white, Israel’s national colors.

Attendees included diplomats, traditional rulers, Jewish community members, clergy, and government officials.

Israeli Ambassador Roey Gilad proposed a toast. He and his wife Nitza performed a Jewish dance. Some dignitaries, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, joined them.

Key personalities included Bishop Duncan Williams and his wife Rosa. Also present were Afenyo-Markin and business executive Dr. Joyce Aryee.

The night featured the Yogev Shitrit Jazz Trio. They entertained guests with beautiful Israeli music.

The Ghana Dance Ensemble showcased Ghana’s cultural heritage. The Revival Restoration Centre Assemblies of God Choir also performed choral music.

In his speech, Mr. Roey Gilad highlighted bilateral relations between Ghana and Israel. These relations began two years before Ghana's independence.

He noted that Ghana was Israel's first African embassy location. This reflects the growth of cooperation between both nations.

Ambassador Gilad mentioned challenges like geographic distance and flight logistics. He also discussed financial crises affecting both countries over the past year.

Despite these challenges, he stated that partnerships have strengthened in agriculture, cybersecurity, high-tech, and defense.

Regarding education, he announced an Israeli professor will conduct a seminar in Ghana this year.

He pointed out that many Ghanaian soccer players are currently playing in Israel. Recently, the under-15 team won a friendly tournament there as well.

Gilad expressed a desire to bring the Black Stars national team to Israel soon.

He addressed the recent Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 citizens. Out of 251 captives taken during this attack, 59 remain in Gaza after 578 days.

Two victims are linked to the Israeli community in Ghana.

Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei represented the Ghanaian government at the event. He congratulated Israel on its 77th anniversary.

Adjei acknowledged Israeli investments benefiting national development in Ghana. He noted that Israeli companies create jobs and foster innovation across various sectors.

He praised initiatives like the Ghana-Israel Agribusiness Innovation Centre for their impact on Ghanaians' skills development.

Adjei emphasized that these collaborations reflect shared goals between both countries' ties.

“As we celebrate this important day for Israel,” he said, “we honor our strong friendship.”