Let’s enhance trade, investments to achieve Ghana Beyond Aid - Bawumia to EU

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on Ambassadors of the European Union member states to enhance trade and investments with Ghana in order to help the nation achieve President Akufo-Addo’s vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid.

According to him, having a strong partnership with the EU will help the country actualise its dream of achieving that agenda.

Highlighting the benefits of the cooperation between Ghana and EU, Dr. Bawumia said there has been significant increase in investments since last year and that is a sign of the strong relations Ghana has with the EU.

Speaking at the Ghana-EU Political Dialogue on the theme 'EU partnering Ghana Beyond Aid', Dr. Bawumia said “Our dialogue reflects the collective resolve of our two sides to re-orient our cooperation towards the attainable vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid. That, undoubtedly calls for enhanced trade and investment in a veritable spirit of partnership. It is therefore gratifying to note that since last year we have witnessed an increase in the number of trade missions from EU Member States to Ghana and sharp climb in investments, much in line with optimism we have harboured and the aspirations we nurse for a Ghana Beyond Aid”.

The Vice President further urged both Ghana and EU to deliberate and make concrete proposals that would advance common interests, contemplate solutions to the challenges confronting the two continents and reconsider pragmatic ways to strengthen Ghana’s capacity towards industrialisation and a brighter future.

According to him, having candid and forthright deliberations will strengthen and give meaning to the collaboration and cooperation of both Ghana and the EU.

“I hope the conclusions reached at the end of today’s dialogue will not only provide a better vision and end in consensus for our two sides but would also provide guidance on how we collectively proceed within our common areas of interest and in a manner that would further mould the quality and strength of our partnership in the years ahead”, he added.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Ghana, Diana Acconcia lauded the government’s efforts at attaining the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda through the introduction of flagship programmes such as the One District- One Factory policy.

She also pledged the EU’s support in realising the Ghana Beyond Aid vision.

The 2018 edition of the Ghana-EU Political Dialogue is a central part of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement which stipulates in Article 8 that the parties shall regularly engage in a comprehensive, balanced and deep political dialogue leading to commitments on both sides.

The meeting focused on issues relating to trade, investment, business environment in Ghana, migration and human rights, multilateral affairs and regional integration, common action on regional security and sustainable development, among others.