Accra, April 23, GNA - The Government on Thursday handed over a one-storey residence to the Cuban Mission in fulfilment of a reciprocal agreement on accommodation between Ghana and the Cuban government. Ghana and Cuba signed the agreement in 1982, with the aim of guaranteeing the provision of essential working conditions for staff of the diplomatic missions in both countries.

Under the agreement Ghana was expected to provide residence to the Cuban mission in Accra and the Cuban government would reciprocate the gesture by providing residence for the Ghana Mission in Havana, Cuba. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who handed over the keys of the building to the Cuban Ambassador, Dr Miguel Perez, at a ceremony in Accra, said the fulfilment of Ghana's obligation in the agreement would further strengthen the ties between the two countries. He said Ghana and Cuba continued to enjoy good economic relations and lauded the Cuban government's support to the country's health care delivery.

"Ghana government treasures our relations with you especially the role Cuban doctors have played in the country's healthcare system," he said.

The minister stated that the President John Evans Atta Mills-led administration was committed to the people centred policy stated in the National Democratic Congress manifesto and pledged that it would shape the foreign policy to bring tangible benefits to the individual Ghanaian.

He thanked the Cuban Ambassador for the good work done in furtherance of the economic ties between the two countries and expressed the hope that it would be further strengthened. Dr Perez thanked government and the entire citizenry for demonstration of political will to honour Ghana's part of the agreement. 23 April 09