Ghanaians can buy machines cheaper from India, the Indian High Commissioner in Ghana, Mr. A.K. Banerjee, told the Chronicle in an interview he gave in connection with the Indian Republic Day, January 26. He said it is especially machines for the small-scale industry that Ghanaians may find the Indian products useful. The machines, according to him, are often sold for half the price, as compared with European machines.

Mr. Banerjee sees a big potential in bilateral trade between Ghana and India. India, as one of the world's biggest economies, already buys diamonds, gold, cocoa, and other primary products from Ghana.

Much of this trade goes to Europe, he said and hoped to extend the direct trade between the two countries. He said although an exhibition of Indian products was held at the Trade Fair Center in October, last year, Ghanaian companies have not grabbed the opportunity to strike business deals.

According to Mr. Banerjee, there are several Ghanaians who would get the opportunity to study in India through various scholarships, as every year India gives 60-70 scholarships. Last year, people from the ministries, Ghana Police Service, and Graphic, among others, benefited from these scholarships.

As the first of the British colonies, India gained independence in August 1947 and it took two-and-a-half-years before they adopted their Constitution on 26th January, 1950. Today, India is regarded as the world's biggest democracy with its 952 million inhabitants.

"It is a rich constitution drawn from various other constitutions, including the American and the French," Mr. Banerjee said. He congratulated Ghanaians on the successful general elections in December, last year.