Accra, May 4, GNA - The French Government has decided to increase its financial contribution to Ghana's Multi-Donor Budgetary Support from 21 million euros to 30 million euros for the next three years, Mr Andrews Awuni, the new Press Secretary to President John Agyekum Kufuor, said on Thursday.

This is to help support the implementation of National Identification (ID) Project, he said, at his maiden Castle press briefing after Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, had introduced him to the Castle Press Corps. He said a letter received by President Kufuor on Wednesday from French President Jacques Chirac explained that the decision was in response to a discussion between the two leaders in October 2005, and a subsequent proposal that President Kufuor made to him in March 2006 on the project.

President Kufuor visited France in October 2005 where he held bilateral talks with his French counterpart.

It was at the talks that he made the case for increased financial support from France for Ghana's development efforts.

Mr Awuni said President Chirac acknowledged that the ID Project would significantly assist to reinforce democracy and good governance. The French Leader noted that the establishment of a reliable civil status would have a positive impact on Ghana's political and economic development as well as strengthen the rule of law.

Mr Awuni said President Kufuor was appreciative of the French Government's gesture.