Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, has urged newly sworn‑in Peace Corps Volunteers to serve with dedication and strengthen partnerships across the country.
Speaking at the swearing‑in ceremony of 29 volunteers in Accra on Thursday, Mr Olson described the 65‑year history of the Peace Corps in Ghana as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations.
He encouraged the new cohort to help address local challenges by working closely with communities.
“As volunteers, you will bring your expertise, creativity, and compassion to drive innovation and strengthen the American‑Ghanaian partnership.
“You are here because the Ghanaian community asked for you. We expect you to work hand‑in‑hand with the communities to support their locally identified needs and aspirations,” he said.
The volunteers, who have completed a 10‑week training programme, will serve for two years in the Agriculture, Health, and Education sectors.
Mr Olson described the Peace Corps as a successful model of cross‑cultural adaptation and urged the new team to uphold the legacy of more than 5,000 volunteers who have served in Ghana since 1961.
“The impact of Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana is unmistakable. Across generations, Ghanaians share heartfelt memories of volunteers who shaped their futures…History has captured what the essence of 65 years of partnership truly means,” he noted.
Mr Olson commended former volunteers for their contributions and urged the new members to strive for excellence and overcome challenges they might encounter.
“The Peace Corps programme is one of service, deeply rooted in the belief that collaboration and community can bring about that brighter future we all strive for,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu‑Danquah, praised the role of Peace Corps volunteers in strengthening the health sector.
She urged the new members to focus on public health challenges, particularly water, sanitation, and hygiene, to help reduce preventable diseases.
“Partnerships like this endure because they are built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose…as you take your oath today, your journey will challenge you but it may also become the tough job you will ever love, as the Peace Corps motto says,” she stated.
Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, paid tribute to past and present leaders of the initiative, describing the programme as a strong example of mutual respect and international collaboration.
On his part, the Minister for Agriculture, Eric Opoku, in a speech delivered on his behalf, expressed confidence that the volunteers’ mission would create a lasting impact in communities.
Training Manager, Ms Augustina Ayisala, commended the volunteers for their resilience during training and for chosing a path of service.
The Country Director of Peace Corps Ghana, Ms Tamu Daniel, described the swearing‑in as an opportunity for the volunteers to contribute to national development in diverse ways.
The United States Peace Corps, established in 1961, is a federal agency dedicated to promoting international peace, friendship and sustainable development.
Volunteers live and work alongside local communities to support capacity building, address critical needs, and foster mutual understanding.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com