Sekondi, Oct. 20,GNA- Mr.Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Thursday commended the government of Netherlands for her enormous contribution towards the development of the economy of the country. He said, apart from the traditional and historical ties that exist between the two countries, Ghana continues to benefit from infrastructural developments supported by the Netherlands. Mr.Ao was speaking when Mr. Arie C. A. van der Wiel, Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana paid a courtesy call at the start of a two-day working visit to the region.

Mr. Aidoo appealed to the Netherlands government to assist the region to develop the Takoradi Port, Fort Orange and essential road networks.

"The lack of logisti cs has made the Port less attractive and do not meet international standards while the Railway, which should have eased the transportation problems in the haulage of goods has also collapsed," he stressed.

He also commended the government of Netherlands for its support during the rehabilitation of the Takoradi- Agona - Nkwanta highway and urged her to extend assistance to the on-going works on the Sefwi Wiawso -Benchima road to link Cote D'Ivoire. Mr. Aidoo said this would facilitate the movement of goods and services.

The Regional Minister assured the Ambassador that the regional Security Council (REGSEC) would tighten security at the borders with Cote d'Ivoire to eliminate the smuggling of poor quality cocoa beans to Ghana.

"Poor quality beans would affect the premium on the country's cocoa on the international market", Mr. Aidoo said. Mr. van der Wiel said he was visiting to inspect progress of work on the Inchaban Water Works and to hold discussions with Dutch Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and businesses operating in Ghana. He said the strong relationship that exists between Sekondi and the Netherlands would be strengthened.

Mr. van der Wiel said the Mayor of the Amsterdam Port, would visit Ghana and hold discussions with the management of the Takoradi Port and find appropriate means of revamping it. Wilma van Esch, First Secretary and environmental advisor of the Embassy, accompanied him.