British High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Gbese Mantse
The new British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Gbese Traditional Area, Dr. Nii Ayi-Bonte II, at his palace in Accra.
The visit forms part of efforts to deepen the longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Rogg expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s (UK) commitment to building on the historical relationship between the two countries.
He noted that this was not his first encounter with the Gbese Mantse, having previously met during a football-themed event hosted at the British Residence.
“Though I’ve only recently returned to Ghana in my new role, it feels like coming home,” Dr. Rogg remarked.
“Between 2006 and 2009, I lived in Accra, and I’ve always hoped to come back. Today’s visit reflects the values we share—respect, partnership, and the drive for progress.”
The Gbese Mantse, in turn, welcomed the High Commissioner, highlighting the importance of maintaining cultural diplomacy and mutual support.
He emphasised the continuous cooperation between the Gbese State and the British High Commission, referencing initiatives such as the Queen Elizabeth II Educational Foundation.
The first nursery school was established in 1950 when Lady Arden-Clarke, wife of the last Governor of the then Gold Coast, Sir Charles Noble Arden-Clarke, led philanthropists to build an educational facility for children, which at the time became known as the Accra Day Nursery.
“The relationship between Gbese and the British High Commission has never waned,” Dr. Nii Ayi-Bonte II stated. “And with your coming, we hope it grows from strength to strength.”
Nii Ayi-Bonte II also detailed his recent development-oriented travels, including a business summit in the Netherlands and a CEO summit at Liberty University in the United States.
These efforts, he noted, were aimed at attracting investment into Ghana, particularly in the agricultural and educational sectors, to combat urban poverty and promote youth empowerment.
He further shared his vision for a sports village in one of his 104 communities to harness local talent in disciplines such as football and boxing.
“Education is important,” he said, “but so is nurturing other talents. We want our youth to have every opportunity to succeed.”
Dr. Rogg praised these initiatives and reiterated the UK’s shared priorities with Ghana, especially in areas such as job creation, economic growth, and security.
“Our partnership thrives because of the deep connections between our peoples,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with you to support these development efforts.”
BY RAYMOND APPIAH-AMPONSAH
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