President Kufuor grants audience to CEO of Zain Group

Accra, July 14, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday granted audience to Dr. Saad Al Barrak, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zain Group, a global telecommunications giant that has taken over the now defunct Westel, at the Castle, Osu.

The Group operates in 22 countries, with 16 in Africa. President Kufuor noted that the mobile phone was strategic in developing countries and asked that the Company should operate as responsible corporate citizen. This, he said, entailed being sensitive to matters of strategic importance to the country. "You should be aware of the importance of the role you play in the emerging economy of Ghana."

President Kufuor said if the Group operated within the laws of the land, it would not have any reason to worry and would receive the support of the Government. He also drew attention to the need for them to become local and float shares on the Ghana Stock Owners, to enable Ghanaians to become part owners.

Mr. Barrak pledged that they would maintain high standards and contribute significantly to the development of the economy. Responding to concerns expressed by President Kufuor regarding shareholding by Ghanaians, he said they had plans to do just that as they had done in Zambia, where the citizens own 20 per cent shares in their operations.

Mr. Barrak commended the President for his leadership that had opened up the economy for investment. Zain Group concluded and sealed the deal to take over Westel in December, last year. 14 July 2008