British minister Clare Short visits Ghana

The British Secretary of State for International Development, Clare Short, arrived in Accra on Monday, for a four-day official visit.

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Integration and the British High Commissioner, Mr Rod Pollen, met her on arrival.

Rt. Hon. Short told newsmen on arrival that the UK has been watching with keen interest, Ghana\'s progress and the recent elections and was impressed with the orderly change of government.

She said the UK is ready to assist the new government in its economic programme.

Short said Ghana\'s immediate economic difficulties are of concern to her government and expressed the hope that her discussions with government officials could lead to an agreeable programme of support.

The secretary of State and the Ghana government will review the current macro-economic and social issues as well as discuss and plan towards poverty eradication and its impact, and assess the UK\'s help to the country.

During her visit Ms Short will hold discussions with President Kufuor and various ministers, businessmen and civil society.

She will also deliver a speech at the Accra International Conference Centre on \"Making Globalisation Work for the Poor,\" and visit Tarkwa District in the Western Region.

Dr Nduom said Ghana appreciates the UK\'s interest and support and expressed the hope that a conclusion which would be beneficial to Ghana would be reached, adding that his economic management team is looking forward to fruitful discussions with her.