Africa & Middle East Director For Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People (ICAP) calls on the Director of the Centre for Latin American Studies

The Director of the Centre for Latin American Studies was paid a courtesy visit by Ms. Yahimí Rodríguez Flores, the Director of the Africa and Middle East affiliates of the Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos (ICAP), or Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People.  Founded in December, 1960, ICAP is an organization that aims at fostering friendship between Cuba and countries sympathetic to it. In this regard, Ghana was a sure destination for Madam Yahimí Rodríguez Flores who was on a duty tour that included Ethiopia and Nigeria.

She paid the surprise visit to the Director, Dr. Joanna Boampong on Thursday October 19, 2018 as part of her tour of the University of Ghana campus in the company of Mr. Julio Cesar Sánchez Martínez the First Counselor of the Cuban embassy in Ghana. Dr. Joanna Boampong welcomed Ms. Flores and Mr. Sánchez Martínez to her level 400 Latin American Literature class which was in session at the time for a brief but detailed discussion.

Dr. Boampong highlighted the long-standing relationship of collaboration and friendship between the University of Ghana and Cuba through the Embassy.  She pointed out that the Centre for Latin American Studies is working to build upon this solid foundation for expanded cooperation beyond academics.  Ms. Flores used the opportunity to explain the purpose of her visit to Ghana which was to sustain networking programmes with members of the solidarity campaign between Cuba and Ghana. She also spoke of the aims, functions as well as the structure of ICAP. Mr. Sanchez spoke of the existence of Ghanaian associations whose members are part of the solidarity campaign with Cuba. They are made up of more than 300 persons who spent their youth in Cuba as well as students of the Spanish section of the University of Ghana who embark on an annual year abroad programme of which Mr. Crispin Beyogle, the acting guide, was a beneficiary.

Before their departure, Dr. Boampong assured the guests that the Centre’s doors are always open to welcome them, and participate in partnerships that promote a deeper understanding of Latin America and foster greater interaction with Africa.