EU envoy lauds ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ initiative

European Union Ambassador to Ghana Diana Acconcia says the EU is shifting away from the ‘donor-receiver’ kind of relationship with Africa to a partnership kind of relationship.

The EU Ambassador disclosed this while presenting her letter of credence to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday.

She expressed confidence in the President’s ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ mantra, stating that it is the way to go in this era.

Diana Acconcia noted that the EU is looking at focusing more on creating partnerships based on common interests and values.

“The EU wants to bring more private investment to Africa, and will mobilize traditional and innovative financial instruments to work directly with the private sector to provide the infrastructure and the solid manufacturing sector that Africa needs to create jobs for its young people.”

According to the EU Ambassador, Ghana will be a key partner to implement the plan which she described as an “ambitious plan.”

She said Ghana has recently experienced strong growth and developed its economy, to becoming a lower middle income country and improving the well-being and prosperity of its people, hence the country has great assets to become a privileged destination for private investment.

“It is politically stable, thanks to the commitment to democracy and rule of law by its successive governments, it has natural resources and fertile land, it has young and dynamic population. And it has a government with a focus on development and on creating a conducive environment for business,” she stated.

She said Ghana has the potential to become a driving force and a leader for the development of the African continent.

“I am looking forward to working with you to make this happen and support Ghana in its efforts to consolidate middle income status,” Diana Acconcia assured.

She further promised to work towards ensuring that the EU and the Government of Ghana continue to build stronger partnerships for development.

“I wish to assure you that in representing the European Union in the Republic of Ghana, I will devote myself to mobilizing both the knowledge and the resources for the realization of the partnership objectives and projects, in which your Government and the European Union are working together.”

NPP initiatives

The EU Ambassador also used the opportunity to commend President Akufo-Addo and his government for some of its policies and initiatives.

“The creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the presentation of the Right to Information Bill before Parliament are promising developments and we are following their progress closely.

“Last but not least, no sustainable and sustained development is possible without building up education and skills that multiply the opportunities for young people to access qualified jobs,” she added.