Switzerland commemorated its 735th National Day in Accra with a colourful reception that celebrated the enduring friendship between Ghana and Switzerland while honouring the outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Simone Giger, for her outstanding diplomatic service.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, business executives, development partners, the Swiss community in Ghana, media practitioners and other distinguished guests, reflecting the strong and longstanding partnership between the two countries.
The occasion doubled as a farewell ceremony for Ambassador Giger, who is ending her four-year tour of duty in Ghana. She was presented with citations in recognition of her significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations in governance, trade and investment, climate action, peace and security, decentralisation and sustainable development.
Ghana and Switzerland have enjoyed decades of cordial diplomatic relations, with cooperation spanning trade, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, education, climate resilience, governance and peacebuilding. Switzerland remains one of Ghana’s key development partners, supporting programmes aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening local governance and protecting the environment.
Delivering her farewell address, Ambassador Giger described her assignment in Ghana as one of the most fulfilling experiences of her diplomatic career.
She recounted travelling across the country—from Paga in the Upper East Region to Keta in the Volta Region, Damongo in the Savannah Region and many other communities—which, she said, deepened her appreciation of Ghana’s rich cultural diversity, traditions and hospitality.
“Ghana is a country that surprises you again and again,” she remarked, praising its festivals, languages, music, creative arts and the resilience of its people.
While expressing admiration for the country’s strengths, the Ambassador also highlighted pressing challenges, particularly illegal mining, environmental degradation and governance concerns.
She warned that the destruction of rivers and forests through illegal mining posed a serious threat to future generations and called for collective action to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
“Ghana’s greatest resource is not gold; it is its young people,” she said, urging government, the private sector and development partners to invest in creating opportunities that would enable the country’s youth to realise their full potential.
Despite the challenges, Ambassador Giger expressed confidence in Ghana’s future, describing the country as peaceful, resilient and optimistic.
Drawing on Akan wisdom, she quoted the proverb, “Anoma antua a, ɔbua da” (The bird that does not fly does not ea
