Finance Minister returns from dev't conference

Accra, Jan. 28, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, on Sunday returned home from London, where he attended a conference dubbed: "European Development policy: Aid Effectiveness and Key Priorities."

The conference held on January 23 to 24, mainly discussed effective European development assistance to third world countries. Speaking to journalists on arrival, Mr Baah-Wiredu said a presentation was made at the conference to address a number of issues concerning European aid to Africa.

He said key among them was the need for development aid to be sent on time without delays often resulting in problems which were sometimes difficult to address.

The Minister said the issue of inadequate funds was also addressed; adding that when funds to developing countries were not enough for their particular purpose it was not possible to put them to effective use. He said the need for aid receiving countries to receive assistance without any conditions from donor countries was also discussed, adding that there was the need for the receiving countries to have a bigger stake in determining conditions that went along with the aid. Mr Baah Wiredu said following the meeting, Accra was to hold a high level conference on aid effectiveness in September to be attended by about 160 countries.

The conference was attended by all European Union countries and selected African countries including Ghana.