Ghana welcomes investments in technology

TOULOUSE, France, -- President John Agyekum Kufour on Monday urged investors to Ghana, not only to provide capital but transfer of modern technological know-how for her rich human resources.

He said Ghana, as the gateway to the West Africa sub-region, which abounds in rich human and natural resources required capital and modern technological know-how to operate efficiently and effectively.

President Kufour was speaking after a tour of the Assembly line of the AIRBUS industry and Avions De Transport Regional (ATR) at Toulouse as part of his official visit to France.

AIRBUS designs, manufactures, assembles, sells and supports the most modern and comprehensive aircraft family available on the market to customers and operators all over the world. ATR manufactures turbo props aircraft's.

President Kufour said, under the concept of New Partnership for African Development (NEPA) most African countries have committed themselves to economic development in order not to be left behind in the mainstream of globalisation.

He said to realise this objective, African countries must join in the technology advancement and economic cooperation with other countries.

President Kufour said an effective way was frequent air links between neighbouring countries which was not available in Africa and companies in the aviation industry could be of immense assistance.

Mr. Jean-Claude Chaussonnet, Managing Director of AIRBUS, France said Ghana Airways had since November this year, acquired one of their aircraft's for operations. Mr. Michel Leonard, Chairman of ATR expressed his appreciation to the efforts of the restructuring process in the socio-economic development in Ghana.

"Your style of leadership is a testimony to promote Golden Age of Business in Ghana and a symbol of stability in Africa'', he added.

Mr. Leonard was optimistic that Ghana Airways would have negotiations with ATR to make its operations the hub of air traffic in Africa.

President Kufour in signing the Golden register at the assembly plant wrote "Appreciating the complex works behind the smooth and efficient flight of the formidable Airbus Planes.''

President Kufour later addressed the Ghanaian Community in Toulouse on the efforts of government to resuscitate the economy.