German assistance crosses the one billion Euros mark

Accra, Oct. 2, GNA - The total commitments made by the Government of Germany to Ghana since its independence exceeded one billion euros last year, Mr Peter Linder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany announced on Monday.

Mr Linder, who was speaking in Accra at a ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the German Reunification, said Germany supported Ghana's implementation of the Growth and Poverty-Reduction Strategy II (GPRS II) by focusing on decentralisation and good governance; sustainable development of the private sector and promotion of agriculture.

=93We are an active partner in the Multi-Donor Budget Support Group=94, Mr Linder said, adding that Germany took part in discussions on Ghana's development priorities.

The discussions focused on the need for a clear way forward in decentralisation; possibilities of scaling up economic growth and the importance of ensuring a balanced growth across all the regions and levels of society.

Mr Linder said Germany was also cooperating with Ghana in the area of peace and security adding that the German Government was appreciative of the assistance Ghana gave to Germany to enable her to fulfil its mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He said Germany has been cooperating with Ghana in the cultural sphere and in the field of the media as well as a wide range of scientific projects among universities and the information centre of the German Academic Exchange Service.

Germany has been engaged in a large number of projects including private initiatives of nongovernmental organisations to help to fight poverty, support health care delivery, save cultural heritage and educate children.

Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, said Ghana cherished the continued cordial relations between the two countries saying that Germany being the destination of 29 per cent of Ghana's exports made her a major trading partner. He said Ghana was appreciative of the support Germans gave to the Black Stars during the 2006 World Cup Soccer Tournament in Germany.