Ghana extends hand of friendship to Brazil

Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Thursday called for airtight cooperation between Ghana and Brazil to facilitate the special relations that must exist between developing countries. "In the name of South-South cooperation Ghana and Brazil should have special relations," he said when the Brazilian Ambassador, Mr Luis Fernando Serra paid a courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu. Vice President Mahama recalled the reciprocal visits President John Agyekum Kufuor paid to his Brazilian counterpart in 2006 and called for speedy implementation of all protocols and agreements signed by the Leaders.

He lauded Brazil for its plans to establish an Agricultural Research Centre in Accra to cater for the needs of African farmers especially the cultivation of tropical crops like sugarcane, sorghum and other cereals.

Vice President Mahama also praised Brazil for sending experts to help to improve on the crises-stricken energy sector.

He appealed to the renowned soccer nation to provide technical support to Ghana's National Team, the Black Stars to be able to shine like the Samba Boys of Brazil during international engagements like the World Cup.

"We met Brazil l ast year in the World Cup and we did not disgrace ourselves, but we certainly need technical support."

Vice President Mahama asked Brazil to establish air link with Ghana to attract passengers in West Africa, explaining that it was shorter to connect a flight from Accra to the Latin American country.

Mr Serra said it was a wonderful idea for Ghana to have a Brazilian coach since the Black Stars needed effective strikers to back their excellent midfielders. He called for stronger ties between Ghana and Brazil.