Ghana’s Consul advises Ghanaian community to respect Cameroon laws during maiden SW visit
Ghana’s Honorary Consul to Cameroon, Donald A. Muffih, addressed the Ghanaian community in Idenau, South West region, during his first official visit. He emphasized the importance of registering with the Ghanaian Consulate to ensure recognition and access to consular services.
Muffih expressed gratitude to the Cameroonian government for hosting Ghanaians and urged the community to respect local laws and traditions. He also highlighted the Ghanaian government’s commitment to engaging with its diaspora and creating opportunities for national development.
The consul encouraged Ghanaians in Cameroon to remain united, support one another, and promote peace and cooperation between the two nations. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving the Ghanaian community in Cameroon.
FULL SPEECH
A SPEECH BY HE DONALD A. MUFFIH, THE HONORARY CONSUL OF GHANA IN CAMEROON
On the Occasion of His First Official Visit to the Ghanaian community in the South West Region of Cameroon, living in the town of Idenau
The Governor of the South West region
The senior divisional officer of Fako Division
Honoured Guests, Traditional and Religious Leaders,
Representatives of the Cameroonian Government,
My Fellow Countrymen and Women
Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with a great sense of duty, deep appreciation, and immense privilege that I stand before you today on my first official visit to the South West Region of Cameroon as the Honorary Consul of Ghana in Cameroon. This visit holds great significance for me, as it is not merely a diplomatic engagement but an opportunity to connect directly with you the people of Ghana who have made this region, and more specifically, the industrious coastal town of Idenau, your home. As I stand before you, I feel an overwhelming sense of humility and responsibility to serve as a bridge between you and the Ghanaian government, ensuring that your voices are heard, your concerns are addressed, and your contributions are acknowledged. You are an integral part of our great nation, and no matter how far you may be from the land of your birth, you remain cherished members of the Ghanaian family.
I am deeply honoured to finally have the opportunity to meet with you face to face, to listen to your experiences, and to witness firsthand the industriousness and perseverance that define you as Ghanaians. Many of you have lived and worked in this town for decades, dedicating yourselves to building honest livelihoods as fishermen, traders, business owners, and professionals. Through your hard work and, you have not only sustained your families but also contributed significantly to the local economy of Idenau and, by extension, to the broader Ghana-Cameroon relationship. This town, with its rich maritime heritage and thriving economic activities, is a place where the Ghanaian spirit of entrepreneurship and is greatly reflected. You are not just residents here, you are ambassadors of Ghanaian excellence, cultural heritage, and determination. It is therefore a humbling privilege for me to stand before you today and reaffirm my commitment to supporting and advocating for the interests of the Ghanaian community in Cameroon.
I bring you warm greetings from the Government and the people of Ghana, as well as from the Ghanaian Consulate in Cameroon. As your Honorary Consul, I stand before you not only as a representative of our beloved country but also as your brother, your fellow citizen, and your advocate. From the moment I was entrusted with this responsibility, I made a solemn pledge to serve and represent the Ghanaian community in Cameroon to the best of my ability. My mission is to ensure that every Ghanaian living in this country, whether in the bustling cities, the coastal towns, or the remote villages, feels heard, valued, and supported.
This visit to Idinau is not merely a ceremonial obligation, nor is it a routine diplomatic engagement. It is a purposeful journey that reflects my genuine interest in your welfare, my recognition of your own little contribution to the growth of this coastal community, and my firm commitment to standing by you as your representative in this land. I am here because your voices matter. I am here because your concerns are my concerns. I am here because, as Ghanaians, we share a common bond, a connection that transcends borders and unites us through culture, history, and shared aspirations.
I understand that living and working in a foreign country comes with both opportunities and challenges. Many of you left Ghana in search of better prospects, driven by the desire to improve your lives and support your families back home. Whether you are engaged in fishing, trade, business, or other economic activities, you are part of a dynamic and resilient community that upholds the values of hard work, perseverance, and unity. It is this industrious spirit that has defined Ghanaians for generations, and it is this same spirit that continues to inspire me in my role as your Consul.
Idenau is known for its vibrant fishing industry, and I recognize that many of you, our fellow Ghanaians, have built your livelihoods around the sea. Your contributions to the fishing sector and the local economy are immense, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Fishing is not just a profession it is a way of life, one that requires patience, skill, and endurance. The sea provides, but it also challenges, and I know that many of you have faced difficulties, from economic hardships to the unpredictable forces of nature. But through it all, you have remained steadfast, never losing the spirit of perseverance that defines us as Ghanaians. Let us remember the words of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a great Pan-Africanist, who once said: “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.” It is in that spirit that I urge you all to continue striving for excellence, to remain united as a people, and to never let challenges deter you from achieving greatness while you live here in Cameroon.
The Ghanaian Consulate in Cameroon is not just an office where diplomatic affairs are handled. It is your home away from home, a place of refuge, a center of support, and a symbol of Ghana’s continuous commitment to its citizens abroad. It exists for you, to serve you, to protect your rights, and to ensure that you are never alone as you navigate life in a foreign land. The challenges of living outside one’s home country can be many. From securing proper documentation to dealing with unexpected legal issues, from seeking assistance in emergencies to staying connected with your homeland. In all these matters, the Consulate stands as your advocate, your protector, and your partner.
I understand that many of you came to Cameroon in search of opportunities to work, to trade, to do business, and to build a better future for yourselves and your families. You have embraced the culture, contributed to the economy, and established yourselves as hardworking and responsible members of society. Yet, in the midst of your daily struggles and successes, it is important to remember that you belong to a larger Ghanaian community, one that must remain united, organized, and properly accounted for. The strength of any community lies in its structure, and structure begins with recognition.
It is for this reason that I emphasize the importance of registering with the Ghanaian Consulate. This is not just an administrative exercise, it is a vital step towards ensuring that you are acknowledged and accounted for as a Ghanaian resident in Cameroon. Registration allows us to have an accurate database of our people, making it easier to reach you in times of need, provide timely assistance, and advocate on your behalf when necessary. By obtaining a Consular Card, you are securing your identity, your recognition, and your access to consular services. In cases of emergencies, disputes, or official processes. This card serves as a means of identification that confirms your status as a Ghanaian national. Without proper registration, it becomes difficult for the Consulate to provide the necessary support or legal intervention when challenges arise.
When we are properly registered, we become stronger, more visible, and more organized as a people. It enables the Consulate to engage effectively with both the Ghanaian and Cameroonian authorities to address matters concerning your welfare. It ensures that no Ghanaian in Cameroon is left behind or forgotten in times of difficulty. Therefore, I urge each and every one of you who has not yet registered to do so without delay. Let us take responsibility for our community, let us be organized, and let us show the world that Ghanaians in Cameroon are not only hardworking but also structured and united. A famous African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Let us go far together by ensuring that we are all accounted for. The Consulate is here for you, but we can only serve you effectively if we know who and where you are. I count on your cooperation, and I assure you that my team and I will always be available to assist you in any way possible. Let us work together, let us stay connected, and let us continue to uphold the proud legacy of Ghana wherever we go.
Cameroon has been a generous and welcoming host to many of you for years. This land has offered you an environment where you can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. Today, as I stand before you, I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Cameroon for the warmth, hospitality, and opportunities they have extended to the Ghanaian community. It is important that we recognize and appreciate this generosity because to be welcomed into another country and given the space to build livelihoods is not something to be taken for granted.
The relationship between Ghana and Cameroon is one that has been nurtured over the years, strengthened by our shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and regional development. This is a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for a prosperous Africa, and it is our duty, as Ghanaians residing in this nation, to ensure that this friendship continues to flourish. Cameroon has opened its doors to us, but it is our duty to honour its laws, respect its traditions, and contribute positively to its society. Every nation has its own systems of governance, legal frameworks, and cultural expectations, and it is imperative that we, as foreigners, align ourselves accordingly. By doing so, we demonstrate not only gratitude and respect but also a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Nelson Mandela once said: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” This means that intelligence alone is not enough. It must be matched with integrity, kindness, and love. As Ghanaians, we must apply our intelligence not only to build successful businesses and careers but also to uplift one another, support our community, and create a positive impact here in Cameroon. As you work hard and build a life here, never forget where you come from. Ghana is your home, and its development depends on the contributions of all its sons and daughters, both at home and abroad. Let us keep alive the traditions, values, and culture of Ghana, teaching our children about their roots and encouraging them to cherish their Ghanaian identity. Let us remain united as a community, supporting one another in times of need and celebrating each other’s successes. A divided people cannot prosper, but together, we can achieve great things.
Dear people of Ghana, I want to assure you that the future is promising. The Government of Ghana remains committed to engaging with its diaspora, creating opportunities for Ghanaians abroad to contribute meaningfully to national development. The Ghanaian Consulate in Cameroon will continue to strengthen its support systems, ensuring that your concerns are heard and addressed.
As we look to the future, let us do so with optimism. Let us remain resilient, hardworking, and united. Let us continue to forge strong ties with our Cameroonian brothers and sisters, let us promote peace and cooperation between our two nations. In the words of Julius Nyerere, the founding father of Tanzania: “Without unity, there is no future for Africa.” Let us stand together as Ghanaians, as Africans, and as people who believe in progress, dignity, and prosperity for all.
As I conclude, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception I have received here in Idinau. It has been a privilege to meet you, to hear your concerns, and to reaffirm my commitment to serving you. My door is always open to you, and I encourage you to engage with the Consulate, to raise your voices, and to take advantage of the support available to you.
God Bless Cameroon
God Bless our Homeland Ghana, and make our nations Great and strong.
Thank you.
