Switzerland pledges assistance to Ghana

The Swiss government pledged its continued assistance to Ghana in her infrastructure and socio-economic development.

Mr Werner Wiedmer, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland said this at a reception to mark Swiss National Day in Accra.

He said the recent Regional Swiss Ambassadors' Conference, which was held in Accra and Elmina and the first ever official visit to Ghana of a Swiss Minister clearly reflects the importance and confidence the Swiss Government places in Ghana and its new government.

The Swiss government is providing assistance in water supply, irrigation, agriculture, education and medicine.

These include, the Ghana National Museum, Agogo Hospital Water Supply, Bokuruwa community centre, Gomoa Akotsi JSS and the Paga Kazugu dam.

The Counsellor said Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) has also chosen Ghana as one of its target countries to assist and support Ghanaian manufacturers and exporters to market their products in Switzerland and Europe.

He said close to 60 Ghanaian companies engaged in fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, wood products, handicrafts, jewellery, medicinal herbs, furniture and the organic market have so far been sponsored by SIPPO to exhibit their produce at specialised exhibitions in Europe.

Such efforts, Mr Wiedmer said would help in Ghana's development process because although Switzerland was confronted with a series of setbacks in the past, it is among the most advanced industrialised countries today through the great determination and hard work of their forefathers.

Dr Konadu Apraku, Minister of Trade and Industry said Ghanaians draw invaluable inspiration from the vision, fortitude, determination and hard work of Switzerland.

He said the Basel Mission's monumental presence in the country could not be ignored since they have not only bequeathed Ghana with countless health and educational institutions and tourism attractions but also the "Presbyterian discipline" which are Switzerland's indelible imprints.

Dr Apraku said the level of bilateral relations between the two countries has received a further boost since President Kufuor's government came to power.

In line with the government's policy statement of " golden age for business", he said the embassy should entreat its nationals to take advantage of the conducive atmosphere in the country to invest.