Ghana’s peace, democratic governance have come to stay – French Envoy
Ghana’s message to the rest of the world is that peace, democratic governance and openness have come to stay, and the rest of the world should take advantage of the stable and peaceful environment and forge mutually beneficial collaborations with the country.
Mr Frederic Clavier, the new French Ambassador to Ghana made the observation when he presented Letters of Credence, to President John Evans Atta Mills at the Osu Castle in Accra.
Five other envoys also presented Letters of Credence to the President, and praised Ghana on its democratic credentials, as they pledged to enhance the relations of between Ghana and their respective countries.
They are Mr Rajinder Bhagat, from India, who replaces Mrs Ruchy Ghanashyam; Madame Abdoumoumine from Niger; Mr Hesham Meshal Swailem al-Sowalem from Saudi Arabia, Mr Aydin Nurhan from Turkey; and Mr Sudirman Hasen from Indonesia.
The French Ambassador said as far as France was concerned, Ghana occupied a priority status because of its political stability, successful political governance and remarkable quality of dialogue between political partners.
Additionally, Ghana has very strong economic and investment capacities for the future, and has the political will to ensure optimal growth.
Ghana, according to Mr Clavier, is a country that is open to the Francophonie and to the French language, and gave the assurance that France would be on Ghana’s side in the fulfillment of their respective identities.
President Mills commended the ambassadors on their appointments, and assured them of Government’s co-operation for successful duty tours.
He traced the historical links between Ghana and the countries of representation, requesting the French Ambassador to give more scholarships to Ghanaian students and more exchange programmes between Ghana and France so that Ghana, surrounded by French speaking nations would become a true member of the Francophonie.
President Mills acknowledged with appreciation French development assistance in the areas of health, education and peacekeeping.
The President said a high point in Franco-Ghanaian relations was the visit of French Prime Minister Francois Fillon last year during which a number of agreements between Ghana and France were signed, to the mutual benefit of both nations.
He commended the Agence Francais de Developpment, the French Development Agency for its assistance to Ghana in a number of areas.
With India and Indonesia, President Mills t traced their historical ties to the independence era, and the Non Aligned Movement, and called for greater collaboration in the spirit of South- South Co-operation.
The Indian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Bhagat said India was in the process of establishing a $1m fertiliser plant in Ghana this year.
At the turn of the Nigerienne Ambassaodor, President Mills said he was happy that the political situation in Niger has returned to normalcy.
President Mills assured the envoy of Government support during her duty tour, and called on ECOWAS as well as the entire African Continent to face the facts and improve trade within the region, and take its rightful place in the world economy.
President Mills acknowledged the visit of Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul to Ghana , observing that it was an indication of the increasing co-operation between the two countries.
President Mills said Government was considering the opening of an embassy in Turkey.
Source: GNA