UK commits $500m in dev't assistance to Ghana

Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - Ghana for the next three years would receive 500 million dollars in development assistance from the United Kingdom (UK), Mr Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, announced in Accra on Friday.

This represents 20 per cent increase in UK's development support for the country.

Mr Alexander, who was on his maiden visit to Ghana, broke the news during discussions with President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu.

He said this was a reflection of the growing partnership between the two countries.

UK is Ghana's largest bilateral donor contributing around 70 million pounds sterling a year through the Department for International Development (DFID).

Over half of this goes to support the Government of Ghana directly through the General Budget Support to deliver more and better services, especially in health and education, create the right environment for economic growth and good governance.

Mr. Alexander lauded President Kufuor for the good leadership he was providing, not only to his country but Africa. President Kufuor said the upward adjustment of UK's assistance to Ghana was a sign that the level of relations was getting stronger. 22 Feb. 08