ROWLEY’S GHANA FUNCTIONS ALREADY GONE

PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says he will attend major celebrations in Ghana – but those activities have already occurred.

The primary functions to observe the 25th anniversary of the ascension of the King of Ashanti occurred between April 22 and 26.

April 26 is the anniversary of King Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s installation.

The remaining activities are parties commemorating the King’s 75th birthday, scheduled for May 6 and 12.

The King’s birthday is on May 6.

On that day, he will host a durbar, “ruler’s court,” a traditional function of sitting in state and meeting people.

But the main silver anniversary events, including a musical jamboree, a thanksgiving service and a dinner, have been held in Manhyia Palace in the city of Kumasi.

Funds were raised at the dinner for the Otumfuo Foundation.

One of the principal affairs – receiving monarchs from across Ghana and the West African sub-region – took place on April 24.

The functions celebrated the political and cultural heritage of the Ashanti Empire, which is modern-day Ghana.

There were exhibits of Akan culture and tradition, and attendance by scores of prominent Ghanaians and international visitors.

Akan is the largest ethnic group in Ghana, a country of 33.5 million people.

A 700-page book honouring the country’s history is currently being prepared.

Rowley recently told the media he was invited by the King to be the guest of honour at the celebrations of the ascent to the throne.

In March 2020, Rowley and his wife Sharon attended Ghana’s 63rd independence anniversary celebrations.

In May 2016, he made his first official visit to the West African nation, during which he signed bilateral agreements with lofty language.

He has repeatedly promised improved trade between both countries, but that is yet to take place.

He said that Trinidad and Tobago has “friends and possibilities” with Ghana.

Yam and other ground provisions would be imported from Ghana, Rowley pledged.

Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon led a business mission to Ghana in March and reported opportunities for trade and investments.

There is minimal trade between both countries.

Each year, T&T sells about $25 million worth of goods to Ghana, made up mainly of liquefied butanes, mechanical appliances, petroleum oils, gaskets and pipes.

T&T imports less than $1 million annually, mainly cocoa butter, clothing, soap and cassava farine.

Selwyn Cudjoe, a Professor in African Studies, questioned in his newspaper column how Rowley’s visit would benefit the people of T&T.

“Ghana is plagued with elevated inflation, subdued growth and high levels of government debt,” Professor Cudjoe wrote.

He quoted an official report that said nearly 68 per cent of Ghanaians live on less than US $1.25 (about TT $10) a day.

Services and agriculture drive Ghana’s economy.

Rowley’s visit to Ghana and a forthcoming trip to India would bring his total period of absence from T&T this year to almost two months.

It was recently revealed that his international travels for the past three years cost $10.6 million.

Rowley has insisted that his travels benefit the people of T&T, but this country is the only Caricom nation with a net outflow of investments.

Critics have called on the Prime Minister to stay at home and attend to national crises, including the scourge of crime.