From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Special Correspondent, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Port of Spain, Dec. 5, GNA - Ghana is taking steps to strengthen diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago and collaborate to reduce the immigration blues facing Ghanaians and receive technical assistance and expertise in the oil and gas industry.

In this regard, Government is considering the possibility of appointing an honorary consular in Trinidad and Tobago to attend to issues affecting Ghanaians resident in that country.

President John Evans Atta Mills gave the assurance when he met with the Ghanaian community on Monday evening in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, after attending this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The principal concern expressed by Ghanaians related to immigration and welfare issues in spite of the fact that Trinidad and Tobago was a country that needed no visa for entry.

President Mills reiterated Government's commitment to serve and ensure the safety of Ghanaians, irrespective of their locations. He said it was the belief of Government that Ghanaians must be given the opportunity to develop and that the country's resources belonged to the people to ensure their welfare and not the enrichment of leaders. He welcomed the transfer of expertise and technical assistance in the oil and gas industry.

Government, he said, would also tap into the fountain of knowledge that Ghanaians had acquired from staying and working in other parts of the globe. President Mills called on Ghanaians living in Trinidad and Tobago to respect the laws of the country to facilitate the deepening of bilateral relations.

The President informed the Ghanaian community of the improvement of the security situation back at home, with reduction in armed robbery, and the creation of a more enabling environment for investment. He called for national unity to enable the Government to execute its development agenda.

President Mills said Government would team up with Ghanaians to work hard to build a better Ghana, on the core principles of investment in people, job creation, accountability, openness and transparency. Mr James Victor Gbeho, Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy, said Government was not engaged in a fight with opponents and lauded the divergent views and free expression in Ghana, which he noted was a natural situation among political contenders and a sign of the vibrancy of the country's democracy. He said the Government was not divided against itself, and Ghanaians would soon observe the solidarity and camaderie that existed in President Mills Administration. Mr Gbeho said Government had laid the proper foundation for the take-off of the economy. 5 Dec. 09