U.S. Hails Ghana’s Track Record

The United States government has commented Ghana for the progress it has made in the fight against drug trafficking, saying the gains are impressive.

Johnnie Carson, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, at a meeting with President Mills at the Castle, Osu yesterday said the cooperation between Ghana and the US and other partners in the fight against drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes was yielding impressive results.

Mr Carson, who is in Ghana as part of a five-nation African tour, also lauded the commitment of the government in fighting cross border crimes, adding that, “the President’s commitment is important.

“We believe our contribution is yielding result,” he said, stressing that the cooperation between Ghana and other developed countries towards fighting the drug menace should be a model for other countries to follow. Extending warm regards from the US President Barrack Obama and US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton to President Mills, Mr Carson assured him that the US would continue to value the relationship with Ghana.

“We value your opinion on matters of mutual interest to the two countries,” he told President Mills. Other issues of mutual interest over which the two countries continue to share experiences and concerns are in the areas of climate change and poverty reduction. President Mills welcoming Mr Carson and his delegation lauded the US for its assistance to Ghana and pledged that the government was committed to strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.

“We very much appreciated the relationship,” he said, citing the Millennium Change Account and the work of the US Peace Corps as some of the valuable contributions Ghana has received from the US. Mr Carson, who flew to Ghana after attending the African Union summit in Ethiopia, is also expected to visit Togo, Nigeria and Benin to hold bilateral talks with leaders of those countries.

Also at the Castle to call on the President was the Minister of Overseas India Affairs, Vayalar Ravi who delivered a special message from the Indian Prime Minister to President Mills.

Mr Ravi lauded the increasing collaboration between Ghana and India, saying the government of India was happy about the relations with Ghana.

President Mills, for his part urged investors in India to direct their investments to Ghana, and assured them of a congenial business atmosphere. He, however, cautioned investors against flouting the laws of the country, indicating that such practice would not be entertained by the government irrespective of the desire to attract more investors to Ghana.

President Mills also lauded the cooperation between the two countries and noted that, “there is a lot we can do to help one another.”

Source: The Ghanaian Times /Ghana