Six envoys present Letters of Credence
Six envoys yesterday presented their letters of credence to President John Dramani Mahama and pledged their commitment to deepen trade, political and cultural relations between their respective countries and Ghana.
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They also lauded Ghana for its economic growth and stable democracy.
The envoys are Dr Hans Docter from The Netherlands; Ms Traore Some Clemence, Burkina Faso; Dr Senturk Uzun, Turkey; Mr Christopher Thornley, Canada; Dr Joachim Oeppinger, Austria, and Mr Jean-Marie Mowelle, Congo Brazzaville.
Welcoming the Ambassador of The Netherlands, President Mahama said Ghana and The Netherlands had enjoyed bilateral cooperation for decades.
He said The Netherlands had been proactive in supporting Ghana in the areas of education, water and sanitation.
The President said trade between the two countries had been good but called for an increase in the volume.
Responding, Dr Docter said the government of The Netherlands was ready to increase support to Ghana in the area of agriculture.
For instance, he said, his government would want to support Ghana in the areas of palm oil production and irrigation in the three northern regions.
Shared values
Receiving the Ambassador of Burkina Faso, President Mahama said Ghana and that country shared common political, cultural and social values.
He said Ghana was committed to expanding and decongesting the Tema Port to make it easier for business people from Burkina Faso to clear their goods from that port.
Ms Clemence said Burkina Faso was more than willing to increase trade and diplomatic relations with Ghana and mentioned the expansion of the Tema Port as an important project for her country.
Welcoming the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, President Mahama said since the establishment of the Turkish Embassy in Ghana in 2010 and the reopening of the Ghana Embassy in Turkey this year, trade relations between the two nations had soared.
Ghana centre of trade and investment
For instance, he said, the volume of trade between Ghana and Turkey stood at $500 million, while there were between 40 and 50 Turkish companies in Ghana.
Dr Uzun said since President Mahama's visit to Turkey early this year, Ghana had become the centre for trade and investment for the people of Turkey.
He said Turkey was ready to share its experiences in the areas of infrastructure development with Ghana.
Receiving the letters of credence from the Canadian High Commissioner, President Mahama said Canada had been supportive of Ghana in the areas of education, water and health care.
He said Ghana wanted to increase energy generation, with focus on renewable energy, and asked Canada to support it in that regard.
Mr Thornley said his country’s investment in Ghana had shown "solid returns" and stressed that Ghana was a beacon of stability.
He lauded President Mahama and Ghanaians for the peaceful outcome of the 2012 election petition, saying that Ghana's democracy was stable and reliable.
Austrian Ambassador
Welcoming the Ambassador of Austria, President Mahama called for more efforts to increase trade between Ghana and Austria.
Dr Oeppinger affirmed the resolve of the government of Austria to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations with Ghana.
Congo Brazzaville
Receiving the letters of credence of the Ambassador of Congo Brazzaville, the President called for the exchange of goods and services between the two countries for their mutual benefit.
Mr Jean-Marie Mowelle said his country was willing to increase trade, political and cultural ties with Ghana.
Daily Graphic/Ghana