Ghana to enhance relations with France

Accra, Oct. 3, GNA - Ghana would enhance relations with France for more investment opportunities, President John Evans Atta Mills announced on Monday.

He said Ghana's doors are open for more French investment and expressed appreciation to Paris for her contribution to Ghana's development. President made the announcement in Accra on Monday, when the Out-going French Ambassador, Mr Francis Hurtut paid a farewell courtesy call on him at the Osu Castle.

"Thank you for what you have done for Ghana while serving your country," he told the French envoy, adding that Ghana intends to enhance bilateral relations to explore investment opportunities.

"Our doors are open for more investment from France," he stressed. Mr Hurtut lauded the gains made in the trade relations between Ghana and France, and commended Ghana for the steady economic growth.

Two other out-going foreign envoys-Hassane Ali Toure of Niger and Fredrick Bangoura of Guinea also bid farewell to the President.

President Mills commended the three outgoing envoys for their contribution towards the progress of relations between Ghana and their countries.

President Mills, thanked the envoys for serving in Ghana, saying their contributions have paid off.

The envoys lauded the excellent relations between Ghana and their respective countries and the co-operation they have enjoyed in the country.

They registered nostalgic feelings of their stay in Ghana, saying they have enjoyed massive collaboration from the government.

Additionally the Ghanaian hospitality helped them to achieve success during their duty tour.

They commended the Government for the economic and democratic progress achieved in the last few years, indicating that they were proud to have been associated with Ghana.

Mr Toure of Niger, who was also the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Ghana, and Mr Bangoura of Guinea, said their countries remained appreciative of Ghana's support towards the peaceful transitions from military to democratic rule.

They gave the assurance that their countries would make the best out of the assistance to effectively nurture democracy.

Mr Toure also thanked Ghana for accommodating the large number of citizens from Niger.

He announced that efforts are being made to continue to educate the Nigeriens on Ghanaian policies.