Accra, June 01, GNA - The Korean Government on Thursday handed over IT equipment valued at about 1.5 million dollars to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Integration and NEPAD to assist in setting up a data centre.

The e-consul and e-administration centre, when completed would contribute to the efficient administration of the Ministry and improve good governance of the government of Ghana.

Mr. Wi Keyei Chul, Korean Ambassador, said the support demonstrated the extent of friendship and co-operation, saying it would further deepen the bilateral and diplomatic ties that had existed between the two countries for the past 30 years.

He mentioned the reciprocal visits of high-ranking officials, including Foreign Ministers of both countries last year, which was highlighted, by President John Agyekum Kufuor's visit to Korea, saying the exchange further strengthened the existing relationship.

Mr. Wi expressed the hope that the equipment would contribute to the efficient administration of the Ministry. Mr. Kwesi Osei-Adjei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs who received the donation on behalf of the Government of Ghana, thanked the Government and people of Korea for the constant support and the interest in the development of the nation. He explained that the e-consul and e-administration project was initiated by the two countries last year and was expected to improve the information technology capacity of officers in the Ministry and assist it to streamline its activities in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

He said the project would also transform the present mode of conducting business in the Ministry saying, "we owe the Korean government a big debt of gratitude for collaborating with the Ministry in undertaking this project."