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Veep calls for international support
for Darfur
Accra, Nov. 20, Ghanadot/GNA-Vice President Alhaji Aliu
Mahama on Tuesday called on Switzerland to offer budgetary
support to peacekeepers deployed by the
African Union to broker peace in war-torn Darfur.
He said Africa was faced with knotty security problems in
flash areas like Cote d'Ivoire, but expressed the hope that
peace would soon return to Ghana's neighbour to facilitate
the deepening of democratic rule.
Vice President Mahama made the request, when he interacted
with the Swiss Ambassador, Mr Nicolas Lang, who arrived in
the country six months ago, to assume duty, after eight
years as peace envoy of his country to the Middle East.
He asked the Swiss government to help reinforce economic
relations with Ghana and import more cocoa from the country.
Vice President Mahama said relations between Ghana and
Switzerland dated back to the 19th century, when Basel
missionaries visited the then Gold Coast to introduce
Christianity and secular education.
Vice President Mahama said the Swiss government had been
consistent with budgetary support to Ghana, while
non-governmental organisations from the country were
providing boreholes and humanitarian support to rural
communities.
Mr Lang lauded Ghana for being exemplary in the promotion of
growth in West Africa.
In a related development the outgoing British High
Commissioner, Mr Gordon Wetherell also paid a courtesy call
on the Vice President to Ghana after almost four years duty
tour.
Vice President Mahama acclaimed the efforts of Britain to
assist Ghana to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and
the fight against crime and drug trafficking.
He said, there was a global determination to drag the name
of Ghana in the muddy waters of drug trafficking.
Vice President Mahama called for British support to build
the capacity of Ghana Police Service to combat crime and
step up investments to push efforts to offer employment to
the youth.
He expressed happiness for British support to the democratic
process in Ghana, pledging the determination of Ghanaians to
sustain 15 years of democratic governance.
Mr Wetherell praised Ghana for deepening democracy, which,
he said was showing in economic development and releasing
the energy of Ghanaians.
He also commended Ghana for combating drug trafficking in a
transparent and determined manner.
Mr. Wetherell said British had, within the past three years
energised its training package for Ghana Police Service,
whilst military co-operation and trade relations had also
been boosted.
His country, he said, was interested to invest in the
telecommunications and oil sectors of Ghana's economy.
GNA
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