General News of Friday, 26 May 2006

Source: GNA

Ghana must exploit peace and economic progress - Akufo-Addo

Accra, May 26, GNA - Ghana needs to exploit the good image she had carved for herself within the strife-torn West African sub-region to attract investment into the country, Nana Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and NEPAD, said on Friday. Speaking during a courtesy call on him by members of the Ghanaian-German Economic Association (GGEA), Mr Akufo-Addo said the country must use the stable security situation, peace and "the ever-improving macro-economic stability" to enhance her profile and to bait investors.

"We need to reposition the image of Ghana. I believe the country has been short-changing itself in concentrating on her role as a gateway to the sub-region. We must lead the way," he said.

The GGEA officials were in the Ministry to congratulate him on the additional responsibilities put on him by the inclusion of the portfolios of Regional Integration and NEPAD.

Mr Akufo-Addo said the government was working to transform public institutions to respond to the needs of investors, adding that assistance would be given to investors to facilitate their establishment in the country.

Mr Patrick Martens, Executive Secretary of GGEA, said the association was doing all it could to promote Ghana as a safe investment destination.

He expressed the hope that the Ministry and the Association would work hand-in-hand to advance the cause of interested investors, who channelled their resources to Ghana.

The GGEA is an alliance of Ghanaian and German companies, entrepreneurs and institutions with business and commercial interests in the two countries.