Mahama urges EU to disburse 64 million Euros budget support

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the EU to disburse a 64 million Euros multi-donor budget support to Ghana, which has been held back because of some fiscal policy issues.

He made this request when he held discussions in Brussels with the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, aimed at deepening relations between Ghana and the European Union.

Mr. Barosso in his response said the EU will continue to strengthen its relations with Ghana, and called for a sustained effort to address the country’s short-term fiscal challenges.

He congratulated President Mahama on his election as the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting that this election is good news for West Africa and for the sub-region’s relations with the EU.

The two leaders discussed the Economic Partnership Agreement being negotiated between the EU and ECOWAS, with President Mahama calling on the European Commission to show flexibility so that trade is not disrupted between Ghana or West Africa and Europe, in the interim.

President Mahama and Mr. Barroso also discussed the situation in Mali and EU support in consolidating peace in that country. They further exchanged views on the upcoming elections in Guinea-Bissau.