The Federal Republic of Switzerland has earmarked an amount of $80 million to support the enhanced competitiveness of Ghanaian enterprises in the global market space, as well as help in government’s efforts at diversifying the Ghanaian economy.
Ghana has been classified by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) as a priority country for economic development, resulting in the signing of the Swiss co-operation strategy for Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo made this known on Wednesday, 12th July, 2017, at a joint press conference held with the President of Switzerland, Her Excellency Doris Leuthard, at the Presidency, after bilateral talks between the two countries.
The teams from Ghana and Switzerland held discussions in the areas of Foreign Affairs, UN Reforms, Finance, Security and Agriculture, aimed at deepening the bilateral relations existing between them, as well as exploring other areas of co-operation.
President Akufo-Addo disclosed that the two countries underlined and reinforced their co-operation in helping to end the scourge of terrorism, and the threats to peace and sustainable development in Africa and the world.
Ghana and Switzerland also agreed to work closely within the United Nations Human Rights Council, as well as with other UN agencies, and extended mutual support for the candidatures of the two countries, vying for positions on the UN Security Council and other UN bodies.
“I took the opportunity also to highlight the importance that Ghana and the African Union attaches to the long, overdue process of UN Reform, especially of the Security Council, to correct the longstanding injustice that the current structure and composition of the UN Security Council represent for the nations of Africa,” he added
President Akufo-Addo also solicited the support of Switzerland for the lead role being played by the AU in its attempts to resolve the crises in Mali, Libya and other States of the Sahel, which are receiving the full brunt of the terrorism menace.
On the issue of migration and mobility, which have gripped the attention of the world in recent years, and now goes beyond the individual policies of state, President Akufo-Addo bemoaned the high numbers of young Africans taking harrowing risks across the Sahara and around the Mediterranean, trying to reach a better life.
What this means, the President added, is that “if we provide them the right environment in Africa, which enables them to enhance their skills, receive appropriate training, have access to digital technology and enhanced economic opportunities, their energies can be channelled towards making our continent great.”
He continued, “Nonetheless, whilst the necessary measures are being put in place, Ghana and Switzerland, as concerned and responsible members of the international community, have decided to co-operate further in ensuring legal and safer means of migration.”
In the area of agriculture, particularly cocoa, the two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable both sides undertake jointly projects to boost cocoa production in Ghana, as well as add value to our cocoa.
President Akufo-Addo, however, stressed that “Ghana, under my presidency, will no longer become mere producers and exporters of cocoa beans, and will continue the policy of processing more and more of our cocoa here in the country. There is no future for Ghana and the teeming masses of Ghanaian youth with an economy that is structured around the production and export of raw materials. Her Excellency and her delegation agree with this, and have pledged the support of the Swiss Confederation to this end.”
President Akufo-Addo also took the opportunity also to solicit Swiss support for the candidature of Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, a distinguished Ghanaian jurist, for election to the International Criminal Court (ICC) during the elections, which will be held in the 16th Session of the Assembly of State Parties to the ICC from 4th to 14thDecember 2017.
“We hope that, as we shape the future of Ghana, and position Ghanaian enterprises to compete effectively in the global market space, we have friends, such as the Swiss Confederation, to support us in this objective.
“There are many amongst us who cannot accept that it is only Asians who can engineer their transition from poverty to prosperity in a generation. We are determined to do that in our generation in Ghana, and ensure that succeeding generations will be neither victims nor pawns of the international economic order. Indeed, the project still remains a Ghana Beyond Aid,” he added.
Source: Presidency.gov.gh
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Ghanaians are no longer impressed with all these crumbs from the white man's table. Ghanaians want to do things for themselves. When Ghanaians did "Operation Feed Yourself", Ghanaians didn't only succeed in feeding themselves, there was surplus food! What are Ghanaians doing for themselves today? Who will lead Ghanaians to do great things for themselves?
These countries have supported Ghana since time immemorial but most Ghanaians remain in poverty and disease. What are Ghanaians doing for themselves? Maybe, the white man should rather come and run the affairs of government for Ghanaians.
***barred word*** this is not a loan ,it's a gift for good governance ,not ***barred word*** and sharing like Mahama and co NDC babies with sharp teeth Who looted after borrowing nd sharing amongst themselves
Dr Mahmud Borrowmia, please tell us the debt in the last 7 months
I thought Bawumia was so genus to develop a different model from that of Mahama, but he is going the same trajectory like him and even worst. Borrow here borrow there, where are the Hypocrites chastising Maham for borrowing. Dr Loyd Amoah and co, is Bawumia doing anything differently? Heaven judge all of us
The Creator did not pug us on this land to be receiving gifts
The Bible says those who love gifts shall become poor
The firm resolute immutable unflinching stance and goal of Ghana and Africa is one thing and one thing only. Africa at all cost will become a developed continent within this generation and there will be no if's, no but's, absolutely no nothing that will derail that agenda, focus and vision. It is going to be a win-win engagement for shared prosperity. The centuries old framework where our natural raw materials have been carted away to fuel the growth of other jurisdictions, leaving us impoverished and subsisting on aid is no longer a win-win arrangement. Africa and Ghana is more than poised to take it's rightful place as a fully functional democratic progressive prosperous and developed country.
Those school children swimming in lakes to reach their prospective schools in Volta Region must be offered first priority not greedy POLITICANS needing 4 by 4 cars.
TODAY THIS COUNTRY SUPPORTS US WITH $80M,TOMORROW THIS COUNTRY SUPPORTS WITH US $100M,EVERYDAY SUPPORTS COME INN YET THE EXCHANGE RATE IS HIGH.UNDER PRES.MAHAMA, NEVER WAS 1 EURO CHANGED FOR 5 CEDIS.IT'S BETTER THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE BUSINESSES ARE COLLAPSING BECAUSE OF HIGH EXCHANGE RATE.