Ghana needs skilled workforce not aid – Hungarian Minister

Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó has said Ghana does not need aid or handouts from European countries, but rather a skilled workforce.

He said once there is a skilled workforce who can make their know-how available to the Ghanaian economy it will ensure rapid development.

Addressing attendees at a ceremony held at the premises of a newly built facility to officially inaugurate and re-open the Hungarian Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Szijjártó said the government of Hungary in light of how it values Ghana and the rest of Africa has decided to increase its scholarship grants to the country to ensure that more Ghanaians get trained with skills that can be used to transform the economy.

To this end, the Hungarian Foreign Minister announced that his government has decided to increase its scholarship grants to 100 slots from the previous 40 slots.

The Foreign Minister of Hungary described as unfortunate the decision by his country to close their embassy in Ghana some 30 years ago. He associated that decision to the socialist regime that was in power then. He added that the reopening of the embassy in Ghana marks the establishment of permanent diplomatic relations with Ghana.

Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia described as welcoming news the reopening of the Hungarian embassy in Ghana. He added that the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration is looking forward to increase trade relations with Hungary.

Dr. Bawumia affirmed the assertion by the Hungarian Foreign Minister that Ghana needs to look beyond aid, adding Ghana appreciates an increase in scholarship slots for students of Ghana.