|
German pledges greater co-operation and partnership with
Ghana
Accra, Jan. 12, GNA – German President Horst Kohler has
given assurance of his country’s determination to work in
closer partnership with Ghana to build on the economic
reform and political stability, which have laid a solid
foundation for the country’s growth.
“Be assured that Germany stands at your side as a partner”,
he said, when responding to a toast at a State reception
held for him at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC)
on Thursday night.
President Kohler accompanied by the wife, Eva and a
170-member delegation made up of Government officials and
businessmen, is in the country for a four-day official
visit.
Germany within the framework of technical and economic
cooperation with Ghana has provided development support of
about 902 million euros to the country since independence.
In addition, it also cancelled a 275 million euro debt owed
her by Ghana.
He said the experience leant in Germany was that democracy
thrived if it was anchored by a successful economic
performance.
It was against this background that Ghana should be
encouraged to continue along the path of reform.
President Kohler, who lauded the country’s six per cent
growth rate, noted that the fight against poverty could
become sustainable only through economic improvement.
He said he was, therefore, impressed with the country’s
improved record on the “Development Index” and the World
Bank’s Study that placed her among the top 10 countries in
the world.
The German Head of State observed that there was now a wind
of change blowing in Africa, citing, the New Partnership for
African Development (NEPAD) initiative, the Peer Review
Mechanism and the increasing role of African Political
leaders in conflict resolution.
President Kohler said with his country’s assumption of the
Presidency of both the European Union (EU) and Group of
Eight Industrialised Nations (G8), development issues of the
Continent would be made a priority agenda.
He said he had no doubt that development challenges of the
region could be tackled if the EU and Africa worked
together.
“We would do our best as far as Africa is concerned, he
said.
President John Agyekum Kufuor acknowledged the significant
contribution countries like Germany had made to Ghana’s
success in the revival of her economy.
He said savings from the cancellation of the country’s debts
had been deployed in providing social infrastructure and
services in schools and hospitals and also for the
introduction of fee-free education; free meals and free
transportation to school children.
President Kufuor said Ghana was determined to create
conditions that would make the country an attractive
destination for German and other foreign direct investors.
The recent conclusion of an agreement between the two
countries on the Avoidance of Double Taxation was just one
of the measures taken.
President Kufuor said it was Ghana’s expectation that
Germany’s Presidency of the EU and G8 would see closer
cooperation between the two countries to help to realise the
outstanding commitments made by the industrialised countries
within the framework of NEPAD, the Africa-Europe Dialogue
and the G8 Africa Plan, towards the promotion of peace,
security and the overall development of the Continent.
GNA
|
