A DELEGATION from the Ghanaian government is touring Merseyside today seeking to establish business links with local companies.
The visit has been organised by Appiah Kufuor, a Knowsley council officer whose brother is the President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor.
The High Commissioner, Issac Osei, is leading the party, who are due to meet business leaders at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, before a meeting with Merseyside Police Chief Constable Norman Bettison.
Later, they are visiting the University of Liverpool, as part of an effort to increase the number of Ghanaians who study in the city.
This evening, Mr Osei will address members of Liverpool's Ghanaian community before a reception with officials from Knowsley council.
The President was elected in December, 2000, in the first democratic and peaceful transition from one party to another in West Africa.
Appiah Kufuor has worked as principal regeneration officer at Knowsley for ten years. He was born in Ghana but moved to this country 26 years ago to continue his education.
He says his brother is aiming to rid Ghana of corruption, a lack of transparency and bad governance.
The President is determined to increase investment and utilise outside expertise to help rebuild the country and tackle its enormous economic problems.
Mr Kufuor believes the Merseyside visit can play a major part in achieving Ghana's goals.
He said: "There is considerable potential for investment in areas like hotels, airports, telecommunications, industry, tourism and information technology.
"We want to build upon and develop an airport in Kumafi, turning it from a provincial one to international status, so we want to speak to officials from John Lennon airport to get some technical expertise to help us out.
"The other main area is telecommunications because our telecom system is being privatised, so we are very keen for companies to invest in that area."
Mr Kufuor said the meeting with the Chief Constable was important as the President tries to develop a more " professional" force in Ghana.
He added: "They are looking at training and logistical needs and want to establish and create links between the two forces to network and exchange ideas. We need assistance to create a crime laboratory in Ghana.
"My brother has a very tough job.
"The main priority is to create investment, jobs and links, real issues to which the people of Merseyside can really relate.
"He wants to create a different kind of Africa, he wants Ghana to be a place where industry wants to invest and where the rule of law applies.
"He wants it to be a model for other African countries to follow and wants it to be seen as a gateway to Africa."..SUPL:
A DELEGATION from the Ghanaian government is touring Merseyside today seeking to establish business links with local companies.
The visit has been organised by Appiah Kufuor, a Knowsley council officer whose brother is the President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor.
The High Commissioner, Issac Osei, is leading the party, who are due to meet business leaders at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, before a meeting with Merseyside Police Chief Constable Norman Bettison.
Later, they are visiting the University of Liverpool, as part of an effort to increase the number of Ghanaians who study in the city.
This evening, Mr Osei will address members of Liverpool's Ghanaian community before a reception with officials from Knowsley council.
The President was elected in December, 2000, in the first democratic and peaceful transition from one party to another in West Africa.
Appiah Kufuor has worked as principal regeneration officer at Knowsley for ten years. He was born in Ghana but moved to this country 26 years ago to continue his education.
He says his brother is aiming to rid Ghana of corruption, a lack of transparency and bad governance.
The President is determined to increase investment and utilise outside expertise to help rebuild the country and tackle its enormous economic problems.
Mr Kufuor believes the Merseyside visit can play a major part in achieving Ghana's goals.
He said: "There is considerable potential for investment in areas like hotels, airports, telecommunications, industry, tourism and information technology.
"We want to build upon and develop an airport in Kumafi, turning it from a provincial one to international status, so we want to speak to officials from John Lennon airport to get some technical expertise to help us out.
"The other main area is telecommunications because our telecom system is being privatised, so we are very keen for companies to invest in that area."
Mr Kufuor said the meeting with the Chief Constable was important as the President tries to develop a more " professional" force in Ghana.
He added: "They are looking at training and logistical needs and want to establish and create links between the two forces to network and exchange ideas. We need assistance to create a crime laboratory in Ghana.
"My brother has a very tough job.
"The main priority is to create investment, jobs and links, real issues to which the people of Merseyside can really relate.
"He wants to create a different kind of Africa, he wants Ghana to be a place where industry wants to invest and where the rule of law applies.
"He wants it to be a model for other African countries to follow and wants it to be seen as a gateway to Africa."..SUPL:
