New Zimbabwean High Commissioner calls on Minister

The Zimbabwean High Commissioner in Ghana, Dr Machievenyika Tobias Mapuranga, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Sheik I.C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, to inform him of their newly opened high commission in Ghana.

Dr Mapuranga, Zimbabwe's first High Commissioner resident in Ghana, ''the opening will further strengthen the excellent relationship between Zimbabwe and Ghana who were both colonised by the British".

He also apologised to the government and the people of Ghana for not "coming here early enough even though Zimbabwe's late former first lady was a Ghanaian."

He called for increased economic cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Mapuranga briefed the Minister on topical issues in his country, saying the topmost one is land reforms. He said his country is doing everything possible to reclaim its land, over 70 per cent of which is owned by whites.

Sheik Quaye was happy that Zimbabwe has finally opened its High Commission in Accra, saying, "I will give you the key to Accra for you to explore all avenues and opportunities that exist in Ghana."

He said Ghana's physical support to Zimbabwe during its war of liberation showed its interest in the country. "We will be willing to deal and trade with you". He said if African countries could come together and trade among ourselves, "we could achieve a lot for ourselves".

The High Commissioner presented a copy of Zimbabwe's land reform programme to the Minister.