Accra, Aug 4, GNA - Ghana on Wednesday signed a development agreement with African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) to provide technology, knowledge and skills to transform the country's economic fortunes.

The agreement gives ACET a diplomatic status as an institution that would provide quality research analysis and advisory services using African talents to support Ghana to set her own socio-economic development agenda.

Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, signed on behalf of government and Dr K.Y. Amoako, President of ACET, initialled for the group, at a short ceremony in Accra.

Alhaji Mumuni lauded ACET for the move, stressing that the partnership would assist government build its capacity in transforming the economy.

He said one way government could build a strong and resilient economy that had the capacity to provide decent jobs with satisfactory remunerations, was to tackle the issue of youth unemployment.

Alhaji Mumuni expressed worry that poverty levels remained high in spite of many socio-economic interventions by governments.

He expressed hope that ACET would provide support to reduce poverty and create more economic opportunities for people on the African continent.

Dr Amoako expressed gratitude to government for the support and gave the assurance that ACET would assist Ghana to compete at the global market.

He said ACET worked in partnership with regional and global institutions including the African Development Bank to support integration strategy for West African countries, and to develop migration and tax policy specifically for Economic Community of West African States.

Dr Amoako said ACET had been active in Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone stressing that the institutions worked to support governments put in place structures for sustainable long-term growth.

He extolled the role of private sector participation and gave the assurance that ACET would work towards removing constraints faced by the sector for development.

"I can assure you that we would do our best to support mother Ghana," he said.

ACET has since 2007 established a mutually beneficial relationship with government aimed at providing an integrated service of research, policy analysis, advice and institutional strengthening for government.

It was incorporated as a non-profit policy and advisory institution in 2007 and has since then received support in consultation with stakeholders within and outside Africa, including the endorsement of some African leaders.