By: Sallu Kamuskay
The High Commission of the Republic of Ghana in Freetown on 6th March, 2026 celebrated the 69th anniversary of Ghana’s independence in Sierra Leone with a cocktail reception at the Radisson Blu hotel in Freetown. The theme for the celebration was “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
The national day reception which was attended by over 250 guests included government officials, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of international organisations, business community and members of the Ghanaian community in Sierra Leone, among others.
The event was graced with the attendance of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali, who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion.
Delivering the keynote address, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. Senalor Kwabla Yawlui, welcomed the guests and conveyed greetings from Ghana’s President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
The High Commissioner noted that Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957, remains a powerful symbol of African self-determination and unity.
He observed that Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule, a milestone that inspired many African nations, including Sierra Leone, to pursue their own freedom.
“The path blazed by Ghana inspired the liberation of many African countries,” he said.
Ghana’s Democratic and Global Contributions
The High Commissioner highlighted Ghana’s achievements in good governance, diplomacy, and international development.
He said in recognition of Ghana’s pan-African credentials, support for liberation struggles on the continent and advocate for African unity, Ghana currently hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free trade area, next to the World Trade Organisation, which aims to promote trade and economic integration across Africa.
The High Commissioner also underscored Ghana’s strong democratic credentials since the country returned to constitutional rule in 1992, noting that the country has conducted eight successive elections and five peaceful transfers of political power.
He added that over the years, Ghana has produced respected global leaders and professionals, including the late Kofi Annan, who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation from 1997 to 2006.
Historical ties between Ghana and Sierra Leone
A major part of the evening focused on the strong historical relationship between Ghana and Sierra Leone.
The High Commissioner emphasised that the relationship between the two countries dates back nearly two centuries, long before both nations gained independence from colonial rule.
He noted that several prominent Ghanaians received their education at Fourah Bay College in Freetown during the colonial era.
Among them were Sir Kobina Arku Korsah, Ghana’s first Chief Justice, and Joseph Casely Hayford, a founding member of the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society.
The High Commissioner indicated that since the establishment of Ghana diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone in 1960, cooperation between the two countries has grown in areas such as trade, defence, security, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Ambassador Yawlui concluded his remarks by noting that the two countries would have the opportunity to further strengthened their relations through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)/ Agreements on key areas during the upcoming Permanent Joint Commission on Cooperation (PJCC) which would take place in Accra in April this year (2026).
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali, congratulated the government and people of Ghana on their independence anniversary.
She said Ghana’s independence remained a historic moment for Africa, noting that the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah inspired many countries, including Sierra Leone, in their struggle for independence.
In her view, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope”, reflects a shared vision of an Africa that is not just surviving but thriving.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the relationship between Sierra Leone and Ghana goes beyond diplomacy.
“The relationship between Sierra Leone and Ghana is anchored in a shared history of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, Pan-Africanism, education and mutual support that predates our independence. Our ties are not just diplomatic, they are familial,” she said.
She highlighted the role of Fourah Bay College, once known as the “Athens of West Africa,” where several distinguished Ghanaians studied.
The Deputy Minister also recalled Ghana’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s development and stability over the years.
She said Sierra Leone remains grateful for Ghana’s support during the civil war, its solidarity during the 2014 Ebola epidemic, and assistance after the 2017 mudslide disaster in Freetown.
“These gestures of brotherhood remain etched in the memory of our people,” she said.
Hon Alghali observed that both countries were working to strengthen cooperation through the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which would cover areas such as trade, agriculture, health, and security. Accordingly, the Deputy Minister disclosed that a high-level Sierra Leone delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs would travel to Ghana from April 21 to 23, 2026, to participate in the PJCC session and sign key MOUs/Agreements between the two countries.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the strengthening of cooperation with Ghana through regional and international organisations frameworks, including the ECOWAS and the African Union.
“We look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation as we jointly strive to build the Africa we want,” she said.
The celebration ended with a toast to the continued friendship between the two countries and cutting of the anniversary cake.
