Ghana’s Ambassador to Cuba H.E. Daniel Sarpong Boateng took time off his busy schedule during his recent visit to the US and interacted with members of NDC-Atlanta. Ambassador Boateng is one of the longest serving government officials; having served as a Deputy Minister of Mobilization and Social Welfare from 1986 to 1989 and later the Minister of Employment and Social welfare from 1989 to 1997, and subsequently the Chief Director of Protocol, before NDC lost power in 2000.

D.S. Boateng indicated that there have been a very good relationship between Ghana and Cuba for sometime and that this year the government of Cuba is providing 250 scholarships to specifically train Ghanaian medical students, to help address the health professional needs of our country. And that the Cuban government has been very supportive and generous to Ghana to the extent that currently there are 230 Cuban Medical brigades who are working in remote areas of Ghana where Ghanaian Doctors are not even willing to work. Ambassador Boateng further indicated that arrangements have already been finalized for 13 Cuban Medical Professors to be sent to the University of Cape Coast Medical School to support the medical education in Ghana.

He indicated that as part of its commitments to supporting the health needs of Ghana, the Cuban government will be providing a grant of 2 million dollars for malaria control through the use of biolarvicides, which is scheduled to begin this year, and will be spearheaded by Labiofam, a Cuban state pharmaceutical company.

At the meeting, Ambassador Boateng provided an in-depth analysis of how NDC emerged from the PNDC, and indicated that PNDC brought like minded people together from all walks of life, including the UP and CPP extractions. Ambassador Boateng explained that from the PNDC era to NDC1 and NDC 2 regimes, our system of governance underwent a significant transformation, which laid a solid foundation for the democracy that the country is currently enjoying. He intimated that unlike the previous NPP administration where former NDC government appointees were hurriedly hauled to court and convicted with questionable evidence against them, the President Mills led NDC administration wants to consolidate the rule of law in order to set a solid foundation for nation building; a process which is being misconstrued by some Ghanaians. He therefore implores Ghanaians to exercise patience and with time they will appreciate all the good intentions that the President has for Ghana.

During questions and answers session, a member wanted to know the modalities put in place to train the local people from the area where the oil is been explored to prevent the situation where the locals do not benefit from the oil because they do not have the requisite professional skills in that industry. In his response, D.S. Boateng said a proposal has already been developed and arrangements are being put in place for Ghanaians to be sent to Trinidad and Tobago, (a country whose economy is oil-based and has the technology and know-how to train others), to be trained in the oil industry.

Ambassador Boateng said he was surprised to read an article, which stated that President Mills has visited Cuba during his previous visit to the US. He said this was a pure fabrication and wonders why someone will publish such falsehood and believes it is one of those smear campaigns against the President. He said Ghanaians must not allow the peace of the country to be disturbed by any self-serving individual with questionable character who wants power at all cost.

NDC-Atlanta congratulated Ambassador Boateng for his long service to Ghana and wish that he will continue to impart the knowledge and experiences he has acquired to the young ones.

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