Outgoing Ambassadors optimistic about Ghana's future

Two ambassadors on Monday said there is hope for Ghana to get out of her economic difficulties and emerge as the model for other African nations.

German Ambassador Christian Nakonz and American Ambassador Kathryn Dee Robinson were speaking to the GNA at a farewell luncheon held in their honour by the Foreign Minister, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, attended by other ministers of state and other members of the diplomatic corps.

This is the first time in 15 years that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has hosted outgoing heads of missions accredited to Ghana.

Mr Nakonz served four and a half years while Ms Robinson spent three years. Both are retiring after their leave.

They said they were privileged to have witnessed and contributed to the historic elections and peaceful transition, saying the nation stands out as a model for modern Africa in the eyes of the outside world.

"Ghana is very important on the African continent and on ours," Mr Nakonz said, adding that the European Union will continue to support programmes aimed at building West Africa.

He commended Ghana for her leading role in efforts at regional integration and for putting forward a capable candidate to contest the post of ECOWAS Secretary General, which becomes available in December.

Mr Nakonz, who has served in four other African countries, also commended Ghana for her political maturity and said he was certain that she has the potential to become even better.

Ms Robinson told the GNA that she expects Ghanaians to work hard to surmount the huge economic problems they currently face.

"I believe that there is potential out there for the people and the government to overcome this terrible situation they are in," said Ms Robinson, who expressed the hope that "this time around, the people will act more than they talk."

During her tenure, bilateral assistance from the U.S. to Ghana increased from 50 million to 80 million dollars since 1999, making her country the largest donor.

In a farewell toast, Mr Owusu-Agyemang thanked the ambassadors for their contributions and appealed to them to continue lobbying for Ghana among their network of ambassadors worldwide.

"When we declared that we were HIPC, they understood the figures and initiated help to solve the intractable problem," said Mr Owusu-Agyemang, declaring, "Be our advocates, we need the assistance."