Elmina (C/R), March 30, GNA - Mr Jerry Lanier, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Ghana, on Tuesday stated that his outfit would encourage more private American businessmen to invest in Ghana, especially in the Central Region.

This, he said, would help increase the number of American businesses in the country and also cement the already cordial relationship between the two countries.

Mr Lanier gave the assurance at a reception held for American citizens living in the Central Region as part of a day's working visit to the region, at Elmina.

The Deputy Chief of Mission, who earlier held a meeting with them, said the visit was to reach out to American students as well as those doing business in the region to brief them about events back home and to let them know what was expected of them, while staying in Ghana. He said he was happy that a number of them in the region, had established businesses like hotels, restaurants and Internet caf=E9s, and urged them to continue to do "genuine business" so as not to tarnish the image of their home country.

Mr Lanier said there were also many Ghanaians in the US and there was the need to strengthen, protect and improve upon the good relationship between the two countries, adding that, Ghana was the first country in Africa to benefit from the services of Peace Corp volunteers, in 1961.

Touching on the political atmosphere, in the country, he commended Ghanaians for ensuring true democracy, and said this would help improve the economy of the country.

The Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze thanked the Deputy Chief of Mission for the visit and said it would go a long way to improve the relationship between the two countries. He pledged his support for any American, who would want to invest in the region.