Call for Deeper Ghana-Iranian Ties

Accra, June 19, GNA - A four-man Ghanaian Parliamentary delegation to Iran has called for deeper diplomatic relations between Ghana and Iran, saying there is an immense potential in developing a solid mutual relationship for the peoples of the two countries.

Led by Alhaji Malik Al-hassan Yakubu, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the team at the invitation of the Iranian Parliament, held meetings with various Iranian officials including the Iranian Vice-President and Foreign Minister as well as the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament.

Other members of the team were Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, NDC-Abokobi-Madina, Alhaji Wumbei Karim, NDC-Wulensi and Alhaji Moahmed Issifu Pangabu, NDC-Ejura-Sekyedumasi.

Briefing journalists on arrival in Accra, Alhaji Yakubu said Iran had a huge technological and industrial base that attracted the team for future collaboration between the two countries. "We found out that the Iran we saw is not the same Iran we have been reading and watching on our television screens all along. The nation boasts of technological advancement in nuclear technology, medicine, car manufacturing, engineering, architecture and above all a very united and disciplined society."

Alhaji Yakubu said the area of nuclear energy, car manufacturing and medicine were of immense interest to Iran and urged the appropriate Ministries and agencies to follow up, stressing that the team would put together a report for their benefit and action. He said discussions also centred on how Ghana could enter into an agreement to have Iranian doctors support the Ghanaian medical system. "This was during discussions when it came to light that Iran had in excess of 500 doctors who could be deployed under the existing arrangement with Cuban doctors."

He said it was clear after the visit that no country could develop on its own and without the commitment of its people, "especially when they want to excel."

Alhaji Yakubu urged Ghanaians to take another look at changing their circumstances, noting that, "we should be ready for change and advancement while developing a closely knit society unified with a common purpose."

The Second Deputy Speaker made it clear that there were no short cuts to development, "we just need to redefine our lives and our priorities on the way forward."

Alhaji Yakubu said the Iranian officials were anxious to tap into the Ghanaian system and collaborate in the area of development. "The Iranians expressed a sense of slowness in their understanding of our system and the way we do things, but after we explained things to them, they warmed up to us and showed us what they were made up of," Alhaji Yakubu added, "stressing that, they were apprehensive of Ghana's decision to vote against Iran's used of nuclear power at the United Nations.

Mr. Valiollah Mohammadi, the Iranian Ambassador in Ghana recounted the relationship between the two countries and expressed the hope that the relationship would grow and be of benefit to all. He said Iran is number one in biotechnology in the region, number one in medicine and number three in dam construction in the world., "but developments cannot be quickened any faster because Ghana has no resident ambassador in Tehran."