Ghana to rely on China for economic support- Veep

Accra, Jan.15, GNA- Vice President John Dramani Mahama, noted on Thursday that Ghana would continue to rely on China for support, to heal the national economy, which has been paralysed by deficit problems and the global economic recession.

He stressed that the zeal of Ghana to stabilise the economy called for the deepening of friendship and partnership with China. Mr. Mahama was speaking at a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Yu Wenzhe, at the Osu Castle in Accra.

He called on the world most populous nation, to balance trade with Ghana and resolve the antagonism relating to the retailing of goods in the country, between Ghanaian entrepreneurs and their Chinese counterparts.

Mr Mahama asked the Chinese authorities, who are undertaking the Bui Dam project in the Brong Ahafo Region, to strive to overcome the labour disputes hampering the smooth operations of the venture. He said the project, which had the potential of supplying 400 megawatts after completion in 2012 could go on unimpeded if the Ghanaian workers engaged at the site were happy. Mr Mahama appealed for the extension of Chinese- assisted Accra-Ofankor dual carriage road project to Kumasi, to minimise motor accidents on the highway.

He called for Ghana-Chinese co-operation for the execution of the national railway project, which has been on the drawing board. The Vice President also requested China to assist to solve the Darfur conflict in Sudan, which he said, had been a blot on the conscience of the world.

Mr Yu commended Ghana for conducting peaceful and smooth presidential and parliamentary elections and presented letters congratulating President John Atta Mills and Mr Mahama for assuming the two most important positions of the land. "It shows maturity of democracy," adding that, "Ghana's democracy is moving forward in the right direction".

Mr Yu said the Bui Dam project would boost socio-economic development in Ghana, especially in the North. He said China had concluded a deal with Ghana to put up a comprehensive hospital in Accra. Mr Yu expressed joy that successive governments in Ghana had supported the one China policy and related well on regional and multilateral issues. 15 Jan. 09