GHANA TO GET C286bn E.U. AID

GHANA and the European Union (EU) will sign a new five-year National Indicative Programme of Co-operation valued at 130 million ECU (about C286 billion) in Accra next month. The programme will cover transport infrastructure, rural development and natural resources, which are the main sectors of the union's assistance to Ghana.

Mr. Javier Puyol, Head of the EU Delegation in Accra, announced these at a reception to mark Europe Day on Friday.

CHALLENGES

He said an international seminar would be held in Accra in June to explore the challenges and options for a new EU-ACP partnership after the expiry of the Lome Convention. Mr. Puyol said the signing of the indicative Programme would give more impetus to the existing co-operation between the Union and Ghana. He hoped that Ghana would stand up to the political, social and economic challenges to warrant continued support.

Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Minister of Food and Agriculture who was the guest of honour, expressed Ghana's appreciation for the co-operation between her and the EU, citing EU's assistance to national development and capacity-building at the grassroots. "As a party to the regional integration initiative in our sub-region, the ECOWAS, the example of Europe in harmonising its economic and social policies to maximise the freedoms and opportunities of its citizens remains a strong inspiration to us," said.

Dr. Adjei said a strong, united and prosperous Europe was a factor for greater economic opportunity in world trade, and called for more mutually-beneficial relations.