Ghana, US Sign Pact For 5.3 Million Dollars

Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana and the US have signed a 5.3-million-dollar bilateral agreement to promote growth in the private sector, improve family health and information technology in the country.

The amount, which is in the form of a grant, will also go to assist the Electoral Commission in preparations for the 2000 general elections. It brings to 68 million dollars the total US government assistance to Ghana for the fiscal ending 30 September.

Ghana's deputy minister of Finance, Victor Selormey, and USAID director, Dr Frank Young, signed the agreement in Accra Monday.

Out of the amount, 850,000 dollars will go to support the export sector while one million dollars will go to the health sector to help improve family planning and child health care.

Communications would get 2.5 million dollars to improve Internet connectivity for educational and civic institutions while one million dollars will be used to acquire logistics for the 2000 elections.

Young said the amount is the highest aid level the US has given to Ghana since 1992.

Selormey responded that the government appreciates the support, "at this critical period of Ghana's economic development."