The outgoing Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Abdulfattah Ahmed Khalil, has described Ghana as his second home after spending 11 years serving in the country.
He said his departure marked the end of a deeply personal and emotional chapter, during which he built strong bonds with the people and institutions of Ghana while working to strengthen relations between Ghana and Palestine and mobilise support for the Palestinian cause.
Speaking at a send-off get-together held in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Khalil said from the moment he arrived in Ghana, he felt he was among family, praising the warmth, hospitality, and solidarity of the Ghanaian people.
Recalling some of his most cherished moments, the Ambassador spoke emotionally about celebrating one of his birthdays with about 300 children from the Osu Children’s Home together with Palestinian families at the embassy. He said the celebration included food, music, and games for the children, describing it as one of the most special days of his life.
Mr Khalil expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for their longstanding support for Palestine, thanking President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as historic support for the Palestinian people at the United Nations, as well as Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and various civil society groups and individuals.
The Ambassador highlighted his extensive engagement across the country, noting that he visited several regions and communities including Sunyani, Berekum, Wa, Tamale, Daboya, and Sekondi-Takoradi, where he engaged religious leaders, students, and community members in mosques, churches, schools, and universities on the Palestinian struggle.
He also recalled demonstrations organised in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale in support of Palestine, particularly after October 7, saying such acts of solidarity would never be forgotten by Palestinians, including those in Gaza.
Touching on interfaith unity, Mr Khalil emphasised that religion should not divide people, stressing that Christians and Muslims can live together as one family.
He said despite the destruction of his homes in Gaza, he remained hopeful about rebuilding and the eventual freedom of Gaza, assuring guests that he would return to Ghana in the future.
Paying tribute to the outgoing envoy, the General Secretary of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, Mr Kwesi Pratt, commended Mr Khalil for what he described as his exceptional diplomatic service and principled stance on global justice.
Reading a citation on behalf of the Socialist Movement, Mr Pratt said the organisation extended its salutations to the Ambassador for his role in advancing national security interests and for consistently championing the struggles of oppressed peoples, deeper democracy, social justice, and the elimination of all forms of racism, particularly apartheid.
He said Mr Khalil made significant contributions to education, healthcare, community development, and social inclusion, adding that his efforts would continue to be valued by progressive forces in Ghana and beyond.
“You will be greatly missed as an outstanding diplomat and a comrade in the broad anti-imperialist struggle of the peoples of the world,” Mr Pratt stated.
The event was attended by representatives of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, members of the Palestinian community, diplomats, civil society activists, religious leaders, media practitioners, and invited guests from various sectors of Ghanaian society.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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The post Outgoing Palestinian Ambassador describes Ghana as his second home appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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