The World Bank says it is committed to strengthening its partnership with Ghana. According to the Bank, the architectural work of its new office in Accra, underscores its determination to continue with its pursuit of openness and accountability in its dealings with Ghana.

These assurances were given by Yusupha Crookes, World Bank Resident Representative in Ghana, during the commissioning of the Bank's new office, located off the Independence Avenue, Accra. “I see the new building as a partial materialization of the Bank's commitment to work as one institution and as a strong statement of dedication to our partnership with Ghana. The transparent glass exterior should be seen as our invitation to our clients, government and the general public to expect not only more efficient, one-stop service, but also to expect a more open, frank and accountable World Bank Group.”

The commissioning was in two sessions - an exhibition by business partners funded by World Bank and a tour of the Knowledge Fair and Building.

The event was attended by the dignitaries including the Vice President of Ghana, H.E Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur; International Finance Corporation (IFC), Country Manager Mary- Jean Moyo; IFC Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Carribean, Jean-Phillipe Prosper; Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Millson Narh; Minister of Roads and Highway, Hon. Amin Amidu Sulemana, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and the media.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Amissah-Arthur noted that the new office would enhance the support for Small Medium Scale Industries (SMSI). He commended the efforts of those who were involved in the establishment of the office, whose location, he said, he was pleased with.

Ms Moyo, expressed her excitement at the new office, believing that it would facilitate operations between the World Bank and its business partners as the Bank's old office had a rather limited space.

Mr Prosper observed that the office represented the fact that time was right for the renewed energy between IFC and the World Bank in Ghana. He recalled that Ghana was the African nation that was at the forefront of the struggle for colonial independence more than half a century ago, and the performance of Africa in general is turning heads around the world. He commended Ghana for achieving an enviable an average growth rate of more than 6 percent over the last few years.

He also noted that the World Bank had provided more than $8 billion in funding to help the Government of Ghana to deliver services and build institutions. Similarly, the IFC had provided private sector investment of more than $2 billion within the past two fiscal years.

He said the World Bank Group (WBG) is committed to a new cause with clear goals: ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

Mr Prosper lauded government of Ghana’s support to the World Bank Group to make the new building a reality and added that the central location of the building sent a signal that WBG is in Ghana to stay and engage the country in its future activities relevant to the Bank.