China praises Ghana for 1D1F….as Envoys of China and Australia bid farewell

The outgoing China Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Shi Ting Wang, has praised President Akufo-Addo and his government for rolling out policies like the One District One Factory (1D1F).

According to the Ambassador who has been in the country for the maximum period since this government took over office, says the policies have been beneficial to the people of Ghana.

Describing Ghana as the most stable and peaceful country in Africa, Mr Shi Ting Wang commended the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, and indicated that the momentum of economic development was very strong.

“…Ghana is the most stable and peaceful country in Africa. I can say that the momentum of economic development of the country is very strong. The flagship policies such as 1D1F, Ghana Beyond Aid and the others benefit the people a lot – it is very successful,” he remarked.

Mr Shi Ting Wang was at Jubilee House yesterday to bid farewell to President Akufo-Addo, following his recall to his country from his duties here as Ambassador.

He was so happy to have had the opportunity to work in Ghana, and expressed some nice words: “I must say working in Ghana is the most beautiful moment in my life; I cherish a lot. Especially the friendship with you (President Akufo-Addo) and the support you have given to me.”

He spoke about the long-standing relations between the Republic of Ghana and the People’s Republic of China. According the diplomat, President Akufo-Addo’s visit to China has strengthened the relations further.

He outlined some projects the government of the People’s Republic of China has or is still undertaking in Ghana, adding that in the past two years, China has provided 600 scholarships to Ghana.

The outgoing Ambassador appreciated all the support and cooperation he enjoyed from government officials, and said Ghana has a place in his heart.

Mr Shi Ting Wang said goodbye to Ghana on the eve of the 60^th Anniversary, since Ghana received the first Ambassador from China, on July 5, 1960.

Responding to the Ambassador, President Akufo-Addo confessed “it was a sad day for me. I have to confess to you. We received the news of your recall with a great deal of surprise.”

Regardless, he acknowledged that so much had happened between Ghana and China because of the Mr Shi Ting Wang.

“…You have also facilitated these high-level contacts between our two countries, and the series of very important economic cooperation, agreements and arrangements between us. Most famous is probably the Sinohydro agreement that you referred to. There are others of equal significance. The James Town Harbor…and many contributions to our educational system…,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo wished him well and urged him to visit Ghana again, especially as Mr Shi Ting Wang said Ghana had become his second home.

Earlier, the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Andrew Barnes, who has been in the country for four years, was at Jubilee House to also say goodbye to President Akufo-Addo and Ghana.

He stressed the good cooperation he enjoyed from government officials, specially the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

He stated that his government had supported government in several areas, including mines, and anticipated a bright future for the mining sector in the country.

According to him, having toured some parts of the country, “I’m sure you have a great future for tourism in Ghana for all your geographical areas.”

On his part, President Akufo-Addo remarked that going to work in a country and being called back was normal with ambassadors.

Recounting the relations between the two countries, President Akufo-Addo appreciated the contributions of Australia to Ghana, especially in the area of education. He wished Mr Andrew Barnes well as he moves back to his country.

MEETING WITH HEADS OF BASIC SCHOOLS

On the same day, President Akufo-Addo held a meeting with heads of basic schools to discuss their preparedness ahead of the Form 3 students going back to school to finish up.

Speaking on behalf of the heads, Madam Mercy Akayila Anuembee, President of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for the recognition given the management of the educational system at the basic level for the first time.

“We are excited by your recent launch of the Ghana Accountability Learning Outcome Programme (GALOP), and believe with the implementation, our schools will receive the needed attention we require,” he noted.

She further expressed the satisfaction of the heads of basic schools at the expert manner in which the government has handled the COVID-19 so far.

“In fact, government has shown leadership and competence in tackling the situation. No doubt, governments all over the world have continued to praise Ghana for the excellent and scientific manner of handling the COVID-19,” she remarked.

Touching on the reopening of schools at the basic level, Madam Mercy Akayila Anuembee said the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools had accepted the challenge.

She assured the President that they had prepared to ensure that all the safety protocols were adhered to when the children are back in school.

President Akufo-Addo also told them that they had major a responsibility, aside from the teaching, to ensure safety in this period of the pandemic.

He said the government will continue to do its best to support the education sector, but the heads also needed to complement the efforts to ensure all were safe.

 

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