Iran needs land for Hospital - Ambassador

Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - The Iranian Ambassador, Mr Valliolah Mahammadi Nasrabadi on Tuesday appealed to the Minister of Lands, Mines and Forestry, Professor Dominic Fobih to assist the Iranian Community in Ghana to acquire a piece of land for a hospital project.

He said the Iran Clinic in Accra enjoyed so much patronage that daily out patients numbered between 300 and 350 and, therefore, needed to be expanded.

Mr Nasrabadi, who made the appeal when he paid a courtesy call on Prof Fobih in his office, said if a big house could also be located in Accra for such a purpose, it would be welcomed. Mr Nasrabadi said the Iranian community was also active in areas such as food processing, agro-forestry and the establishment of schools throughout the country.

"About 120 schools have been established in addition to the Islamic University in Accra, which held its first congregation this year," he said.

Mr Nasrabadi said although Iran had enjoyed good relationship with Ghana, trade ties had not been strong and it was the hope of the Iranian community to strengthen ties in the timber industry. Prof Fobih said the Government was ready to assist the Iran community in Ghana since all their efforts were geared towards the welfare of Ghanaians.

He said one area that the Government wished for closer collaboration was in the area of mining since it was believed that mining could become the vehicle for growth for the economy.

"We want countries that have expertise in mining so that together we can co-operate," Prof Fobih said and added that the African Mining Partnership was on and was adding value to minerals mined. He said if Iran helped Ghana with their expertise in adding value to minerals, it would be helping the rest of Africa to achieve its goal.