The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has arrived safely in Doha, Qatar, to represent the Republic of Ghana at the State Funeral of the late former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Khalifa bin Al Thani.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin was received upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by senior officials of the Government of Qatar, together with Ghana’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, H.E. Mohammed Nurudeen, and officials of the Embassy of Ghana in Doha.
The Speaker’s visit underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Ghana and Qatar and reflects Ghana’s solidarity with the people and Government of Qatar during this period of national mourning.
The State Funeral is expected to bring together heads of state, parliamentary leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, and other distinguished personalities from around the world to pay their final respects to the late former Emir, whose visionary leadership significantly shaped Qatar’s modern development.
Accompanying the Speaker on the official visit are the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sulemana Yussif; Member of Parliament Hon. Lardi Ayamba; Sheikh Arimeyaw of the Office of the National Chief Imam; as well as officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament of Ghana.
The Ghanaian delegation is expected to participate in the funeral ceremonies alongside other international delegations, honouring the memory of Sheikh Hamad Khalifa bin Al Thani for his immense contributions to Qatar’s socio-economic transformation and his influential role in regional and global affairs.
Sheikh Hamad Khalifa bin Al Thani is widely credited with leading Qatar through a period of remarkable modernization and economic expansion.
During his reign, the country experienced significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, and international diplomacy, establishing itself as a respected global actor.
Ghana and Qatar have maintained cordial bilateral relations over the years, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, energy, agriculture, education, labour, and infrastructure development.
High-level exchanges between the two countries have continued to strengthen these ties, creating opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration.
Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s participation in the State Funeral reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with Qatar and demonstrates the country’s respect for the legacy of the late former Emir.
The Ghanaian delegation is expected to engage with Qatari officials and other international dignitaries on the sidelines of the funeral before returning to Ghana following the official observances.
The State Funeral is expected to attract leaders and representatives from across the world, reflecting the profound respect and admiration for Sheikh Hamad Khalifa bin Al Thani and his lasting contributions to peace, development, and international cooperation.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI