Togolese Envoy Salutes Faure

President Faure Gnassingbe

When the Togolese visited the country last week he was treated to a wonderful cultural display at his country's embassy in Accra.

But the words of the Togolese envoy in Ghana, H.E. Tete Jean-Pierre Gbikpi-Benissan, conveyed the feelings of his compatriots in the country.

Describing President Gnassingbe as a man of vision, he said he had been elected to continue the good works of his late father.

Through President Faure's efforts, he noted, Togolese political parties live in harmony devoid of conflicts.

The envoy was reading the address at the Togo Embassy to his president who was on a two-day visit to Ghana last week to hold some discussions with President Atta Mills on the relations between Togo and Ghana.

Continuing, H.E. Tete Jean-Pierre Gbikpi-Benissan attributed the progress of Togo under the present political leadership to the country's cooperation with the European Union countries.

“Previously developments in the relationship between the European Union and Togo were detrimental to the interest of the country, but thankfully, things have changed positively.

“This has come to pass through your singular efforts and within a record short time,” the envoy told the President.

Togo, he said, has come far, having witnessed stability but also bumpy periods in its history, adding that the most precious thing the country requires now is peace because the citizens are by nature, peace-loving.

As a man of peace, he said, the president has expended time in consensus building and the application of truth, justice and reconciliation adding that these will pave the way for the country's next elections.

The real builders, he stressed, are not recognized by their actions but by their courage and faith in God.

He assured the President of his and those of Togolese resident in Ghana's readiness to be by his side in 2010 when the country goes to the polls adding, “The victory will be the victory of the lamb over the lion, and the dove over the falcon. All these would happen in peace and security.”

The envoy assured his guest that as Togolese they are encouraged by the realization that their country has great opportunities in the coming years.

He told the President that their host country has accommodated them well and that his visit has enhanced their respectability in Ghana.

President Gnassingbe had earlier called on President John Evans Atta Mills at the Castle.

By A.R. Gomda