Speech by Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands on the occasion of the state visit Ghana

The Hague, 21 October 2008

Mr President,

It gives me great pleasure to greet you and Mrs Kufuor here this evening and to welcome you to the Netherlands.

This is the first State visit to take place between our two countries, but that doesn't mean that there have been no previous contacts, either formal or informal. On the contrary, in two thousand and two, my son, Prince Alexander, and my daughter-in-law Princess Máxima joined in the celebrations in Ghana of the three-hundredth anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. In that same festive context I myself welcomed the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei TuTu the Second and his wife, later that year. Furthermore, my husband had already made an extensive trip to your country several years before.

This tercentenary of our diplomatic relations shows just how long contacts between Ghana and the Netherlands have existed. The presence of a large Ghanaian community in the Netherlands illustrates how important and close these contacts are to this very day. In fact, our ties go back even further. As early as fifteen ninety-eight a Dutch trading post was established in Moree and in sixteen thirty-seven the fort of Elmina was captured from the Portuguese. This was the beginning of a long and turbulent history. The objective of the Dutchmen who came to your shores in that distant past was to trade, initially in gold, the precious metal that gave your country its former name. But a far baser trade followed. The trade in human beings continued to be the most significant European commercial activity in this region for many years. On this inhuman traffic, which was ended only in eighteen-oh-seven we look back nowadays with horror.

The departure of the Dutch did not however mark the end of the colonial period. British rule lasted for almost another century until nineteen fifty-seven, when Ghana gained its independence under the great freedom fighter Kwame Nkrumah. In the half-century that has elapsed since then, much has happened and periods of prosperity have alternated with periods of adversity.

In recent years your country has achieved an impressive level of development. Ghana is now an example of progress and stability. It is a modern state and a vibrant democracy. It looks forward with anticipation to the parliamentary and presidential elections which will soon be held. Political stability and democratic government have gone hand-in-hand with economic growth and social progress. Prosperity has increased considerably in a relatively short time. Thanks to your admirable efforts to combat poverty, many have been able to share in these economic benefits. We congratulate you on these achievements and wish your country every success in continuing on this path.

The important global position occupied by your country is also due to these impressive developments. In this context, you give priority to promoting regional security and stability. Ghana is therefore an active member of the Economic Community of West African States and of the African Union, whose chairperson you were until very recently. Under your personal guidance, your country acts as a mediator in conflicts. It also plays an active role in peace missions, on the African continent and elsewhere. The fact that one of your compatriots was until recently Secretary-General of the United Nations has also contributed to your country's international prestige.

Mr President,

Just as in the past, trade is nowadays an important element in our relations. Amsterdam remains the major port of destination for cocoa, one of Ghana's main export products. We also pursue joint activities in the field of development cooperation. Once again history sometimes plays a role in these activities, for example in the support we both give to the Elmina Cultural Heritage and Management Programme. Dutch and Ghanaian researchers also work together in many other areas. With its focus on water and sanitation problems and on climate change, Ghana demonstrates its deep concern for global issues. Major international conferences on these important themes can therefore often count on your country's hospitality.

Mr President,

The many Ghanaians who live abroad contribute to the prosperity of your country. The fact is that Ghanaians are an enterprising people, well known for their remarkable creativity and perseverance. Many of your compatriots came to the Netherlands and have rapidly made a place for themselves in our society. They constitute a lively and dynamic community marked by great cultural diversity, as can be seen every year on Ghana Day. But there are many other opportunities too for Dutch people to become acquainted with the riches of contemporary Ghanaian culture. What is more, your compatriots take care to maintain their mutual ties and links with their native country through their own television and radio channels.

Mr President,

An Akan proverb says: "Because of what may happen in the future, we value a good companion". In today's world, it is more than ever true that we will only be able to solve the serious problems confronting us by working together. With its constructive policy both within and beyond the African continent, your Government has shown that it wants to play a stimulating role in this much-needed cooperation.

I should like to ask all those present to raise their glasses and drink with me to your health, Mr President, to that of Mrs Kufuor, and to a bright future for the Ghanaian people. May the Ghanaians and the Dutch remain what they have been for so long: good companions.