Geneva—Ghana’s Switzerland Ambassador ‘chat –room’, opens its doors to the Ghanaian nationals at the hall of the World Council of Churches (WCC) - Geneva, on Saturday 28th November, 2009.

(The WCC offices is located on 150 route de Ferney, Geneva, near the offices of International Labor organization (ILO).The meeting will start with arrival of Ghanaians at the hall at 3.45 pm prompt, with the Ambassador entering at 16h00 Paris time.

A program released here and signed by Mr. Hakeem Balogun, Counselor (Consular affairs) of the Ghana Permanent Mission says, the chart-room agenda will afford the Ambassador an opportunity to meet Ghanaian nationals and to explain the Mission and the Embassy’s operations and services: the Ghana Embassy is located in Bern, Swiss capital city.

The Ambassador, Mrs. Eileen Serwaa Nee-Whang, who is also Permanent Representative accredited to the United Nations offices In Geneva and Vienna (Austria), will be expected to speak on investment, especially setting up of small business and trade.

A statement on its website explaining its functions indicates: In line with the directive principles of state policy, the Geneva Mission seeks to promote and protect the interest of Ghana in the multilateral setting of Geneva and Vienna. To this end, it joins efforts with the members of the United Nations and other International Organizations to work towards the achievement of a just and equitable international economic and social order. The ultimate aim, in these efforts, is to enhance the socio-economic development of Ghana and the quality of life of its people.

Services and Activities

On its services and activities, says the statement, The Mission participates in the numerous conferences and meetings that are held in Geneva and Vienna, in order to contribute to the establishment of International norms and standards, the formulation of regulations and decisions and resolutions germane to the objects and purposes of the United Nations and the International community. It further ensures that Ghana's rights, under the various Treaties and Agreements, are not diminished but are enhanced and that she derives full benefits from its membership of the international organizations while fulfilling its national obligations.

The Mission sees itself as a client or citizen service outfit reengineered in tune with the current auspicious dispensation in Ghana to provide consular services in an expeditious and efficient manner.

The Geneva Mission further provides general information and references on Ghana for the effective promotion of trade, investment and tourism. Important information on Ghana's trade and investment policies can be found in the Report on Ghana's Trade and Investment Policy Review undertaken in collaboration with UNCTAD in Geneva in November 2002.

All-from all-walks of live and cordially invited to the evening with the Ambassador, adds Mr. Balogun.

End: From Kwaku Boatin, Geneva.