Indian delegation calls on Minister

Accra, Feb. 21, GNA - A 10-member delegation from the India Electronic and Computer Software Export Promotion Council Control (ESC) is on a four-day visit to Ghana during which it called on officials of the Ministry of Communications to explore cooperation and investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

A press release from the High Commission of India on Wednesday said the delegation included exporters and manufactures of business application software, system integrator of telecommunication systems, enterprise resource planning, E-governance, solar inverters, network services and IT consultancy.

The statement said the delegation visited Ghana from 13-15 February, 2007 Prof. Mike Ocquaye, Minister of Communications, urged members of the delegation to take advantage of opportunities available in Ghana and venture into areas such as software development. Members should also explore options in the privatization of two state-owned telecommunications companies - Westel and Ghana Telecom.

He said government machinery could be used as an engine of growth in promoting ICT in the country.

Prof. Oqcuaye disclosed that government was embarking on an e-Ghana project, which consists of e-Governance applications. The Minister told the delegation that Ghana's investment laws were liberal, saying there was the possibility of the repatriation of profits of investors.

Dr Aggrey Ntim, Deputy Minister of Communications, expressed the need to create partnerships between Ghanaian and Indian companies to promote development in the ICT industry.

Mr. D. K. Sareen, Executive Director of ESC, expressed appreciation to the Minister for the reception and expressed interest in collaboration in the areas of software development, e-Governance applications and Small and Medium Enterprises support.