The Embassy of Colombia in Ghana in collaboration with the Centre for Latin American Studies (CLAS) of the University of Ghana (UG) and the Latin American Studies Association (LASA), have organized the maiden LASA/Africa Continental Congress, at the University of Ghana Legon in Accra.
To this end, the Embassy of Colombia in Ghana is commited to strengthening the bonds of friendship and fostering meaningful dialogue with the government of Ghana and other African nations. The partnership between the two nations is highlighted as a beacon of cooperation and mutual support, serving as a means to rectify historical wrongs and pave the way towards reconciliation, healing, and a more equitable future.
Speaking at the conference, Colombian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Daniel Garces Carabali, said , “For the purposes of expanding these connections and struggles for a more just and restorative world, institutions such as LASA as a global organization with more than 14,000 members, representing about 100 nations in the world, can be an effective channel to deepen the connections and from the various fields of research to promote a global scientific movement fighting for restorative and reparative justice.” He Said, the government of Colombia has designed a program called #EstrategiaAfríca under the auspices of Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina and Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Duran. ” In compliance with that program, our Diplomatic Mission in Ghana has developed a strategy of articulation with African nations in connection with our Latin American peers, in the development of this work we set out to strengthen LASA/Africa, linking important researchers, activists and cultural leaders of Colombia.” He stated.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, who was the guest speaker for the occasion highlighted the enduring ties and mutual support characterizing the relationship between the two nations over decade.
“The Embassy of Colombia has generously extended its hand in helping Ghana to build it’s capacity of critical institutions such as the Ghana police service, Immigration service and the Narcotic Control board. These collaborations have been particularly crucial in addressing contemporary challenges including cyber security which knows nobody. These landmark collaboration underscore our shared commitment to promoting peace and security on the global scale, transcending geographical boundaries.” He stated.
Meanwhile, Jo-Marie Burt, the President of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA), emphasized that the inaugural Continental Congress of LASA in Africa presents a unique opportunity to facilitate dialogues and connections on diverse theoretical and practical subjects that establish links between the African continent and Latin America.
The first continental Congress of LASA in Africa, LASA/Africa 2023 which seeks to provide an opportunity to collaborate and work on the many interesting theoretical and practical problems presented in each continent in relation to Latin America, will end on Saturday November 18, 2023.
