On 9th March, 2024, the Ghana Council in collaboration with the Ghana Embassy in Brussels organised a party for the Ghanaian Community and friends of Ghana in Belgium to commemorate the 67th Independence Anniversary of Ghana, which was observed on 6th March, 2024. The party was the first in three years due to a halt in such celebrations at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions on large social gatherings.

A number of dignitaries were present for the occasion, including the Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. McArios A. Akanbong, the President of the Ghana Council, Mr. Kwaku Boamah Acheampong, Director at the International Migration Policy Recruitment & Advisory Centre (IMPRAC) in Accra, Charles Allan Kwenin. Also attending the event were Professor Ann Cassiman, of the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) as well as Mr. and Mrs. Van Donnick, CEO of Skyhigh NV and philanthropists in Ghana.

The event was a colorful representation of the diverse and rich culture of Ghana featuring live band music from the Sankofa Group and a cultural display from the Borborbor Group in Antwerp. Ghanaian traditional leaders in Belgium also graced the occasion clad in their regal and exquisite regalia.

In his remarks, the Chargé d’Affairs, Mr. McArios A. Akanbong, extended to the guests warm felicitations from the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. Mr. Akanbong highlighted the renowned democratic credentials of Ghana and called on compatriots to uphold its practice, particularly as the nation goes into elections later in the year. He further underscored the significant role of the diaspora in national development and acknowledged the initiatives being undertaken with support from philanthropists. Before concluding his address, Mr. Akanbong stressed that the Embassy, as always, was at the disposition of each and every Ghanaian, and ready to assist as much as lied within its mandate.

During the event, the Ghana Council recognised members of the Ghanaian Community that had distinguished themselves in the areas of social welfare, sports and academics. After the sharing of goodwill messages from some dignitaries, the guests were treated to delectable Ghanaian cuisine and serenaded by Ghanian highlife, while dancing the night away.