The Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, has commended Accra Technical University (ATU) for promoting international understanding, cultural exchange, and African unity through its maiden Flag-Raising Ceremony and International Students’ Time with the Vice-Chancellor.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, University management, staff, students, and representatives of various countries to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the ATU community.
Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Kaisamba described the ceremony as an important platform for strengthening friendship among nations and fostering intercultural understanding among young people.
Speaking on the theme, “Raising Flags, Building Bridges: Promoting International Understanding and Cultural Exchange,” he noted that the event reflected the broader purpose of higher education in an increasingly interconnected world. “Each flag tells a unique story. Each represents a people, a history, a culture, and a set of aspirations. Yet today, these flags are not standing apart; they are standing together, just as the students they represent learn together, grow together, and pursue their dreams together,” he stated.
The High Commissioner emphasised the university’s responsibility to provide academic and professional training and to prepare students to thrive in a global environment where cross-cultural and cross-national cooperation is essential. He praised ATU for recognising the value that international students bring to the University community and for creating an environment where diversity is celebrated.
Addressing international students, he encouraged them to embrace their role as ambassadors of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. He noted that students who pursue education outside their home countries gain valuable experiences that enable them to build friendships, challenge misconceptions, and strengthen relationships between nations.
The diplomat also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Sierra Leone, stressing the importance of educational exchanges in deepening cooperation and people-to-people relations across Africa. He further called on young Africans to view diversity as a source of strength and to build partnerships that contribute to the continent’s development and integration.
“The students gathered here today represent the future of Africa. The relationships you build today will shape the partnerships, innovations, and solutions that Africa will need tomorrow,” he said.
A major highlight of the programme was the symbolic raising of the flags of participating countries by ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, demonstrating the shared commitment to friendship, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.
H.E. Kaisamba expressed optimism that the Flag-Raising Ceremony would become a lasting tradition and continue to strengthen ATU’s reputation as a welcoming destination for students from across Africa and beyond.