Come home and assist - President Kufuor

President J. A. Kufuor has asked Ghanaians studying abroad to return home on completion of their studies and get actively involved in the daily struggles to improve on the quality of life of their compatriots.

He said that there are many examples of qualified Ghanaian professionals who have forgone the luxuries and comfort of life in developed countries and are now sacrificing to facilitate the process of national development in spite of all the difficulties in the country.

President Kufuor made the remarks when responding to questions during an interaction with the Ghanaian community in Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah State of the USA, on Tuesday.

He said that as Ghanaians, they have the responsibilities to their fellows who are suffering from diseases and poverty, as well as other deprivations in the country.

President Kufuor said that there are other nationals, who for the love and sake of humanity, visit Ghana and use their energies towards alleviating poverty, and ensuring healthy lives in the rural communities.

He stated that the government is making every effort to make life better for Ghanaians in the face of all challenges and difficulties.

President Kufuor briefed the Ghanaian community about efforts being made by the government to address issues such as armed robbery, education, stable currency, business promotion and private sector development.

On crime, the President said that the police are being equipped with vehicles and communication gadgets to check the rate of armed robbery.

He disclosed that by the end of December, this year, the government would have provided as many as 600 vehicles to the Ghana Police Service to enhance their capability to ensure crime prevention.

President Kufuor explained that the government has set up the Ministry of Private Sector Development to promote small and large scale businesses.

He advised Ghanaians in Salt Lake City to be law abiding citizens and assured them of government’s support in their endeavours.

The Foreign Minister, Mr Hackman Owusu Agyeman, said that the government is conscious of the contributions of Ghanaians abroad to the country’s economy. According to him the government is working to ensure the implementation of the Dual Citizenship Act which was passed recently.

He said that beginning from next October, the government will undertake massive infrastructural developments which win include the construction of roads.

The Foreign Minister said the six lane road from Kwame Nkrumah Circle to Achimota in Accra, as well as the Accra to Cape Coast, and Accra to Aflao road projects are being initiated.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Mr Alan Kyeremateng spoke of Ghana Equity Investment Fund and Ghana Credit Union projects which are being implemented to provide avenues for Ghanaians abroad to invest in the Ghanaian economy. He commended President Kufuor for his leadership and the ensuring peace and stability in the country.

In a related development, President Kufuor has appealed to American businesses to invest in the Information Technology (IT) and salt industries in Ghana and gave them the assurance that their investments will not be in vain. He said that Ghana’s democratic environment, liberalised economy and human resource capacity provide a favourable investment climate and make the country a better investment destination in Africa.

He was speaking at a luncheon meeting with representatives of corporate businesses in Salt Lake City.

President Kufuor took advantage of his maiden attendance at the United Nation’s General Assembly last week to embark on an investment promotion tour of the Salt Lake City.

So far, he has visited Convergys, an IT company, Morton Salt and Magnesium Corporation, all in Salt Lake City.

The President also paid separate courtesy calls on the Governor of the State, Mr Michael Okerlund Leavit and President of the Church of Latter Day Saints, Mr Gordon B. Hinckly, at their residence and office respectively.

President Kufuor told the America businessmen and women that it would be easier for them to make additional revenue of $1 million if they invested in Ghana rather than in America and Europe.

He said Ghana has a tremendous human resource potential and indicated that the experiences of some American companies in the country have established that the attitude and competence of the Ghanaian worker is comparable to that of the American.

He noted that the Applied Computer Services (ACS), an American IT company established in Ghana two years ago, has become successful and urged the businesses to be encouraged by the ACS experience to set up enterprises in Ghana, since their investments will yield mutually beneficial results.

President Kufuor said that Ghana is rich in salt and has a viable tourism sector and indicated the government’s preparedness to welcome investments in these areas.

A Special Assistant at the office of the President, Dr Sam Somuah, who made a presentation on investment opportunities in Ghana, said that Ghana has a more favourable investment climate than other countries elsewhere in Africa.

He said that the economic indicators and peaceful democratic situation make it far less expensive to invest in Ghana.

Dr Somuah said that the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution provides enough guarantees to protect foreign and local investments.

He said that although there are some risks in investing in developing countries, such as Ghana, the benefits of investing in Ghana outweighs the risks involved.

Dr Somuah observed that Ghana is open for business as the government is supportive and the time for the American investors to invest in the country is now.

Mr Marcos Southwood, a senior official of Sentries Financial International Incorporated said a number of financial institutions exist to provide assistance for businesses that want to invest in countries such as Ghana and, therefore, urged corporate America to take advantage of those institutions to reduce the risks involved in investing in Ghana.

He said that the Sentries Financial International Inc. has so far provided $200 million to businesses to establish outfits in Ghana and expressed the willingness of the company to assist American businesses that are willing to invest in Ghana.