Veep inspects works on a multi-million dollar defence complex

Accra, April 11, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday inspected works on a new Ministry of Defence office complex, being constructed with Chinese assistance in Accra at the cost of 6.8 million dollars. The project, which was commenced on 18 May 2007, is scheduled for completion in October this year, with a grant of five million dollars from China and a local counterpart fund of 1.8 million dollars.

The Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, designed the five-storey building, which occupies 7,610 square metres, and Quindao Contractor Group Corporation is the main contractor. Vice President Mahama expressed satisfaction that the contractors are working ahead of schedule and also transferring technology to Ghanaian artisans. He also commended the contractors for their innovative designs, which had culminated in the use of the basement of the building for a car park.

Vice President Mahama appealed to China to furnish the building after completion and assist Ghana to construct a new building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NEPAD and Regional Integration, which is on the drawing board. Mr. Yu Wenzhe, Chinese Ambassador, pledged the support of his country to boost the efforts of Ghana to achieve a middle- income status by 2015. Mr. Hu Yuzie, a Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, said his government was committing resources to provide Ghana with two hospital facilities in order to deepen bilateral relations.