Swiss parliamentary delegation calls on Edina Omanhene

Cape Coast, Feb. 26, GNA - The Omanhene of Edina Traditional Council, Nana Kwadwo Conduah IV, on Saturday granted audience to a three-member Sweden parliamentary delegation at his palace at Elmina in the Central Region.

The delegation led by a Ghanaian born, Nana Apaa Essilfie Kojo Frans is on a week's duty tour of the country and also to foster closer links between the two countries.

Nana Conduah in his welcome address, thanked the delegations for the visit and hoped this would go a long way to enhance the relationship between Sweden and Ghana and particularly, Elmina. He pointed out that Sweden was advanced in its democracy and development and urged the delegation to endeavour to evolve means that would enable the members of Swedish parliament to share their expertise with their Ghanaian counterparts to enhance the growth of Ghana's young democracy.

Nana Conduah underscored the importance of sanitation in the development of the nation and appealed to the delegation to assist Ghana, especially Elmina with sanitary equipment to enhance environmental cleanliness. He also suggested exchange programmes between chiefs, MPs and assembly members; this he said would help them learn more about the two countries.

Nana Kojo was happy that he had come back home, and that the visit was an important step to get closer to the people of Ghana and also to enhance the already cordial relationship between the two countries. He said this was the second time within two months, that a high power delegation from the government of Sweden was visiting Ghana and that it was a sign of greater things to happen in the near future. He said the visits have also come at a critical moment in the history of Ghana, since it would be celebrating its 50th independence anniversary next year and gave the assurance that the Swiss government would support Ghana with a number of projects and programmes that would make the celebration a success. Nana Kojo said the delegation would on next Friday attend a day's parliamentary seminar between the two countries on NEPAD and conflict resolution in Africa.

He said the group would also meet the Road and Transport, Regional Cooperation and NEPAD, Education and Trade and Industry ministers to discuss concrete projects that would enhance the development of the various sectors. Other members of the delegation are Mrs Sylvia Lindgren and Mrs Ageneta Grille.