Accra, Aug. 10, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Wednesday, commended Canada for including Ghana among the 25 countries it has listed for support, and committing 480 billion cedis to boost the national budget.

He recalled the efforts of Canada in canvassing for debt relief for Ghana and fellow African countries at the recent G8 Summit at Gleneagles in the UK.

Alhaji Mahama made the commendation during a meeting with Mrs Aileen Carroll, the visiting Canadian Minister for International Cooperation at the Osu Castle in Accra.

He praised the decision of Canada to cancel the 19 million dollars Ghana owed the industrialised North American country when it reached the HIPC completion point.

The Vice President said Ghana viewed Canada as a genuine partner, citing the immense contributions the Canadian International Development Agency, made towards the provision of water to Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region since in 1975. Alhaji Mahama said Canada also assisted Ghana to organise a successful General Election in 2004. He called on the Minister to facilitate efforts of the ruling New Patriotic Party to woo Canadian investors and the strengthening of the country's parliamentary democracy.

Mrs Carroll, who flew to the country from famine stricken Niger, pledged the support of Canada to Ghana in its development efforts mentioning the provision of potable water as one of the focal points. She said Ghana and Canada relations started 40 years ago and commended the West African State for organising incidence- free Presidential and Parliamentary election in 2004. 10 Aug. 05