Ghana and Germany have agreed to deepen their bilateral economic development co-operation in the areas of democracy, civil society, food security, economic reform and development of a market economy in line with Ghana government's aim to reduce poverty.

An agreement to that effect was signed on Friday between the two sides, following two days of consultation and negotiations to review past programmes and re-focus on areas that need further attention.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Nana Akuffo Addo signed the agreement on behalf of the Minster of Finance, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo while Mr Heinrich Lehne, Head of Division in the German Ministry for Economic Co-operation and development signed for his government.

Nana Akuffo Addo underscored government commitment to eliminate poverty through the deepening of democracy and urged the development partners to assist in the fight against poverty.

Mrs Grace Coleman, Special Assistant to the Minster of Finance and leader of Ghana's delegation said, by focusing on the focal areas, Ghana will benefit from improved European and multilateral co-operation.

Mr Lehne praised Ghana's process of democratisation, saying the country can reap enormous profit when the process is further deepened and reinforced.

The German government, he said, will assist Ghana at this crucial time of its development, adding that his government is determined to "enhance the significance, efficiency and effectiveness of its bilateral co-operation with Ghana."

Ghana has had a bilateral co-operation with Germany since 1960. The agreement was last reviewed in 1975. The country has benefited from loans amounting go over two billion Deutsche Marks and contributions of over four billion Marks through multilateral agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations' support for various micro projects.