General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Source: GNA

Minister returns from London

Accra, Feb. 17, GNA - The deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Nii Noi Ashong returned home Tuesday evening after participating in the People's Assemby in London, UK.

Speaking to journalists on arrival, he said he attended the programme, which was the third of its kind at the invitation of the Ghana High Commissioner, Isaac Osei.

He said Ghanaians as well as nationals of UK attended the meeting. Dr Ashong used the occasion to explain government policies, projects for the coming years as well as achievements that it has chalked.

Dr Ashong said many Ghanaians at the meeting expressed interest in investing in Ghana especially in the area of agriculture because of the tax exemptions that would be enjoyed by prospective investors.

He said Ghanaians there also expressed concern about the issue of dual citizenship and wanted to know whether the government had plans to allow them (Ghanaians in UK) to vote in UK in the forthcoming general and election.

Dr Ashong suggested that the people's assembly should be replicated in other countries.

Mr Kwabena Oku Afari, Principal Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, accompanied Dr Ashong.