Ghana Is The Safest Place to Do Business - Veep

Vice President Aliu Mahama on Friday urged Iranian investors to take advantage of the opportunities in the agricultural and mining sectors of the economy for the mutual benefit of Iran and Ghana.

Vice President Mahama, who was addressing members of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce when they called on him at the Castle, Osu, said their investments would be fruitful and safe.

The four-member delegation, led by its President, Mr Ali Naghi Khamoushi, was on a four-day trade and investment tour of the Sub-Region.

Vice President Mahama said: "Ghana is the safest place in the Sub-Region. The government is implementing an agenda that would ensure the growth of businesses. We are not just blowing our horn, but anybody in the Sub-Region would attest to the fact that Ghana is the best place to do business."

He urged them to explore the opportunities in agriculture, mining, forestry and light industries for direct investment and joint partnership with Ghanaians.

Vice President Mahama commended the Iranian government for its support to Ghana, particularly in the educational, health and agricultural sectors.

"Iran has established an Islamic University and clinics in Accra and has also been assisting farmers in the Northern Sector," he said.

Mr Khamoushi, who described the tour as the first of its kind, said his country is committed to doing business in Africa.

He said Iran considers Ghana as a strategic partner in the Sub-Region, and said his delegation was impressed with its observations.

Mr Khamoushi called for the harmonisation of trade regulations and tariffs between Ghana and his country to facilitate business.

He invited the Vice President to visit Iran with a Ghanaian business delegation as a follow-up to his delegation's visit.

In an interview, Mr Wilson A. Krofah, First Vice President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, who accompanied the delegation, said Ghana has a lot to benefit from an oil-rich country such as Iran with a thriving business and solid manufacturing base.

"We are encouraging them to invest in agro-processing, especially in adding value to cocoa and the furniture industries," he said.

Mr Krofah said Iran was being encouraged to establish a bank in Ghana to facilitate transactions.

"Iran is not a member of the World Trade Organisation, of which Ghana is a member, therefore, the two countries must develop a trade agreement for their mutual benefit," he explained.