Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - Mr Kwabena Baah-Duodu, the new Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation, on October 19 presented his credentials to the President of Switzerland, Mr Moritz Leuenberger in Berne, on Thursday, October 19th 2006.

During discussions Mr Baah-Duodu traced the cordial relations existing between the two countries from the arrival of the Basel Missionaries in the early 1820s and stated the Government's appreciation for the several Swiss bilateral economic and technical assistance to Ghana.

A statement issued in Accra said he affirmed his determination to work to further intensify those relations during his tenure of office. President Leuenberger expressed his admiration for Ghana's leadership role in West Africa in particular and Africa in general. Answering a question on Ghana, the new Ambassador underscored the peaceful political atmosphere in the country and the way the current Government's policies had led to the resurgence of the economy. Mr Baah-Duodu pointed out, however, that it was Ghana's desire that such peace would be woven into West Africa's socio-political fabric.

He observed that what Switzerland and Ghana had in common was their burning desire for peace and development in freedom.

Mr. Baah-Duodu expressed the hope that Switzerland would continue to assist Ghana to enable her to be successful in that regard. Given the pivotal role the private sector is expected to play in Ghana's economy, Mr Baah-Duodu called for further Swiss assistance to that sector in order to strengthen its performance.

He again urged the Swiss Government to support the country's human resource development efforts.

Mr Baah-Duodu stated that the Government of Ghana would welcome investment in, and the transfer of technological know-how to the country to encourage the processing and value addition of more raw materials, including cocoa, gold and aluminum in the country, prior to their exports.

Mr Baah-Duodu, who is also the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations Office in Geneva and to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), presented his credentials to Mr Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office and Mr David Lamy, Director-General of the WTO. 03 Nov. 06