The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, on behalf of government has donated ready-to-eat cocoa products to earthquake victims in Turkey.
Through collaborative efforts of the finance ministry, foreign affairs ministry and the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), 11 twenty-foot containers of ready-to-eat cocoa products were procured as emergency relief items and presented to the victims.
The finance minister, during a brief ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Accra, noted that government saw it necessary to extend support to Turkey as the two nations have long shared a bond of friendship and cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
“In this time of adversity, we cannot stand by idly. Since 1958, the ties that bind our nations are not just economic but rather fundamentally human. As such, we recognise that when a friend is in need it is a moral imperative to lend a hand,” he said.
“Cocoa, as you know, is not just a commodity for us but also a symbol of our national heritage. By sharing it, we share with you a piece of our history and a piece of our soul. We hope that this humble gesture will comfort those in need. From what we can gather, over 10 million people continue to need urgent aid. Consequently, it is our sincere hope that these supplies will alleviate some of the immediate challenges faced by those impacted by the disaster,” he added.
Director of the Legal and Treaties Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto, further indicated that the gesture is a testament to a shared commitment to supporting each other in times of need.
“Ghana has always found in Türkiye a dependable partner, and our two countries continue to collaborate in various fields which have contributed to further deepen our bilateral relations. Ghana’s cocoa, renowned for its exceptional quality and taste, carries the essence of our nation; and as we present these cocoa products, we hope that they bring comfort and warmth to the hearts and homes of the Turkish people,” she iterated.
She also expressed gratitude to the government of Turkey for the support provided in repatriation of the mortal remains of Christian Atsu.
“As we look to the future, let us cherish the spirit of unity, compassion and cooperation that defines our bilateral relations,” she added.
For his part, the Ambassador of Turkey to Ghana, Huseyin Gungor, commended government for the thoughtful contribution to the victims’ rehabilitation process.
“In difficult times you see your friends and partners. I would like to thank the government of Ghana and we look forward to a bright future for both countries,” he said.
