Sunyani, May 25, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye - Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, has commended the United States of America for their immense support towards the development of the region in diverse ways. The Minister made the statement when Mr. Donald Teitelbaum, US Ambassador to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him, in Sunyani, as part of his two-day working visit to the region. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo noted that the US had been of help to the region in the areas of Health, Education, Agriculture, construction of bridges, Self Help Electrification Projects (SHEP) and the provision of potable water. He mentioned that Newmont Gold Ghana Limited, a US-based international mining company, had created a lot of employment in the region, especially for the youth.

Even though there were misunderstandings between the company and the people sometimes, the matters were settled amicably to ensure peace in the area, the Minister said.

Recently, seven billion US dollars was paid to affected communities as a result of a cyanide spillage. Mr. Teitelbaum expressed satisfaction with the relationship that had existed between Ghana and the US since independence and stated that his country would continue to support Ghana to deepen their relationship. He said the World Cup Tournament to be hosted in Africa was an opportunity to help erase the negative perception of the world about Africa. On US visas, he explained that anybody who followed the right procedures and met the requirements would never be denied a visa. 25 May 10