Ghana to host EU-Africa Business Forum

The next EU-Africa Business Forum has been slated for Ghana, early next year in appreciation of the country's democratic credentials, Dr Mohan Kaul, Director-General of the Commonwealth Business Council announced in Accra on Tuesday. Dr Kaul made the announcement when he paid a courtesy call on President John Evans Atta Mills at the Osu Castle in Accra. The call was a follow-up on the Ghana Investment Forum, held in Accra last month.

Dr Kaul commended President Mills for the pragmatic efforts to enhance the investment environment. President Mills said Government would continue to improve the investment climate to attract investors to create more jobs and better working conditions for the people. He spoke of a number of investment opportunities in agriculture, oil and gas and the housing industry.

President Mills said Government would continue to ensure a safe environment based on honesty, transparency and accountability for good returns on investment.

Also at the Castle was Mr Fabrizio D'Agostini, out-going Italian Ambassador who had ended a four- year duty tour in Ghana. President Mills expressed his deepest gratitude to the ambassador for his selfless service and stewardship.

He described Italy as very good friend and lauded Mr Agostini for his role in enhancing the activities of the Legon Centre for International Affairs, the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre and the rehabilitation of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. "You have tried very hard to sustain relations between the two countries, and we are moving higher.

"You've done really well and you must be justifiably proud towards the contributions to Ghana- Italian relations. "If I were a traditional head, I would make you a sub-chief", President Mills said on a lighter note. The President presented a traditional stool to Mr Agostini and a gift to his wife. 11 Aug. 09