Ghana leverages relations with Czech Republic - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, said the cordial diplomatic relations established between Ghana and Czech Republic in the past had been rekindled for the betterment of both partners.

He said through the regeneration of the relations, the Czech Republic had supported Ghana to revive the defunct Kumasi Shoe Factory, which was now supplying shoes to the security services in Ghana and beyond.

President Mahama said this when Mr. Miloslav Mechelek, Czech Ambassador to Ghana, called on him at the Flagstaff House, Kanda, to announce the end of his duty tour to the West African country.

Also at the Presidency to announce his departure, after his five-year duty tour of Ghana, was Mr. Larbi Korti, Algerian Ambassador to Ghana.

President Mahama said apart from the shoe factory, which was a joint venture, plans were also afoot to revive the Aboso Glass Factory when power and energy stabilized in the country.

He also mentioned the mutual collaboration in the establishment of the Urban Tramp System to complement road transport and reduce vehicular congestion in Ghana’s major cities.

"We are also pursuing collaboration in agriculture and industry with the Czech Republic since Czech Republic has the expertise in power generation," he stated.

Mr. Mechelek, for his part, commended President Mahama and Ghana for that matter for playing a leading role in resolving the political skirmishes in Guinea Bissau, Mali and Burkina Faso, saying, “It had been a demonstration of good governance.”

He gave the assurance that his country would continue to partner Ghana as a worthy partner for the betterment of both countries.

On Algeria, President Mahama said the countries would leverage their collaboration in energy and human resource development, especially to subdue terrorist attacks and piracy on the continent.

He added:" No one country on its own can achieve the fight against terrorism and piracy and I believe Algeria has a role to play in their elimination."

Mr. Korti said both Ghana and Algeria had potentials to improve their relations to higher levels