Mr Paolo Salvia,(middle) Interacting with Mr Dominic Nitiwul (left) and Mr Frimpong Boateng all Ministers of state.Photo Michael Ayeh
The European Union (EU) says it is looking forward to “concrete results” of the work of Martin Amidu; the Special Prosecutor and reinforced efforts by other institutions involved in the fight against corruption in Ghana.
Paolo Salvia, acting Ambassador of EU in Ghana said public finance management and the fight against corruption were among new fields that had become important for its partnership with the country.
At a reception to commemorate the Europe Day in Accra on Wednesday, he said the Union, through avenues such as the EU-Ghana Anti-Corruption, Rule of Law and Accountability Programme was ready to support Ghana’s efforts.
The day, also known as Schuman Day, is observed every May 9, to remember the presentation of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner to the European Union.
On investments and trade, Mr Salvia said the Union aspired to sustain Ghana’s position as its biggest investment partner and hailed the government’s efforts to improve the business and investment climate.
He said European Investment Plan aimed at encouraging European investment in Africa and the Economic Partnership Agreement that was to facilitate entry of 100 per cent of Ghana’s export into European markets would maximise Ghana’s opportunities.
He said the EU was also concerned about security, climate change, fisheries, forestry and migration and it would collaborate with the government to harness the opportunities and address the threats.
Acknowledging the importance of fund to EU’s partnership with Ghana, he said “What ties them to our development cooperation is the common ultimate goal of promoting peace and prosperity for Ghanaian, growth and development.”
“The world is changing and we must adapt our relations and determine a way forward based on our mutual interest and shared values, building on the strong foundations we have laid”, Mr Salvia added.
Leader of Ghana’s delegation to the ceremony, Dominic Nitiwul, Minister of Defence, celebrated the “fruitful” socio-economic and political relations between the union and the country.
He said government was committed to streamlining its investment regulations and procedures to ensure that business and investment climate was improved from EU’s member states.
To ensure accountability and deal with corruption, he gave the assurance that the Special Prosecutor would discharge his duties without hindrance from the government and would consolidate other efforts.
He said the government would continue to count on EU as a developmental partner in finding solution to global challenges, including irregular migration, human and drug trafficking and their attendant impact on livelihood.
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