Nana Sifa Twum, London

Ghana will continue to be part of all processes agreed by the international community especially ECOWAS and the African Union to help bring peace to Cote d’Ivoire.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Professor Kawaka Danso-Boafo made this known at a lunch in London hosted by UK’s Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham.

The event was attended by London-based Heads of Mission of West and Central African countries. This was part of series of such
events where bilateral, regional and international issues are discussed.

The political tension in Cote d’Ivoire dominated the discussion, however, issues on trade, Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo were raised

Professor Danso Boafo who led the discussion on La Cote d’Ivoire, reiterated the position of the Ghanaian government and said Ghana is closely in touch with the ECOWAS in helping to resolve the Ivorian political impasse. He said Ghana is doing all it could as a neighbouring country and also as a member of the ECOWAS and the Africa Union to ensure peace in Cote d’Ivoire.
Earlier, the Minister met an ECOWAS delegation who was in the country to seek support and assistance in resolving the Ivorian crises.
Mr Bellingham took the opportunity to call on African leaders to help find lasting solution to the political crises in Cote d’Ivoire as immediate as possible to prevent the issue from escalating.
He was of the view that the continent was capable of resolving the issue with support from the international community.

The delegation which was led by the President of Burkina Faso, Bless Compaoré also met with high UK government officials including, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and the Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell.

The Minister for Africa reiterated the UK's support for the robust position that ECOWAS has taken following Cote d'Ivoire's presidential elections in November.
Other members of the delegation included Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Salamatu Suleiman and Mr Hemou Dedou, Director of Political Affairs ECOWAS.
He said care must be taken that the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire does not escalate to bring socio-economic problems to that country and others in Africa.
He commended the ECOWAS for its efforts and determination exhibited so far in helping to address the issue and affirmed UK Government’s support for ECOWAS and the African Union, in upholding democracy in the region and throughout the continent.”
The ECOWAS delegation has since left for France on similar mission.