Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday commended the French Government for its continuous support to Ghana and other West African Countries.

He said: “We as Ghanaians so much appreciate all what you have over the years done for our country and beyond, especially in the provision of potable water to most of our communities.”

Vice President Mahama gave this commendation when Frederick Cladier, French Ambassador to Ghana, called on him at the Castle, Osu.

The Ambassador was at the Castle to congratulate the Government for maintaining peace, democracy and stability and to deepen relations between the two countries.

Vice President Mahama said France, a key member of the European Union, had the potential of uniting African countries and, therefore, appealed to the French Government to intercede in the African integration programme that would help propel the economic development of member countries.

He mentioned climate change, trade relations and the Economic Partnership Agreement as some of the areas that France could spearhead to support African countries and called for deeper collaborations that would enhance mutual benefits.

Mr Cladier for his part, said both France and Ghana shared the same values of democracy, good governance, peace, unity and stability and would continue to deepen relations with Ghana, which has become a shining example of democracy in Africa.

He said France was interested in bridging the lingual differences between Anglophone and Francophone countries in West Africa, adding, “Ghana has the potential to lead this crusade that will eventually bring closer collaboration and development.”

The Ambassador gave the assurance that France would continue to support through Agence France de Development and called for closer links that could help propel the collaboration agenda.