UK Africa Development Minister to visit Ghana

Accra, July 20, GNA - The United Kingdom’s Africa Development Minister, Mr Stephen O’Brien, will visit Ghana from 21-23 July 2011 to review progress with the UK’s development programme, a statement from the British High Commission in Accra has said.

It said a new plan for the UK’s aid to Ghana, launched in May 2011, was focused on achieving substantial results in health and education, as well as supporting private sector growth to create prosperity and jobs.

The statement said Mr O'Brien would visit a timber mill at the forefront of sustainable forestry and efficient use of timber; receive a briefing on the Jubilee Oil Field, a world-class field that has rapidly moved from discovery to production; and look at how big companies were working with small retailers to serve consumers in the farthest geographical and economic reaches of the market.

“The Minister will see how businesses like these have helped Ghana become one of the ten fastest growing economies in the world, alongside six others in Africa, and discuss what more can be done to ensure sustainable and equitable growth.”

Mr O’Brien will meet the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, to discuss the economy, oil and gas, and development in the north, and the UK government’s existing and future support in these areas.

“In particular, the Minister and the Vice President will discuss progress in establishing the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), which is being supported by the UK.”

Mr O’Brien will also meet the Minister of Trade, Ms Hannah Tetteh, to discuss the Government’s private sector development plans and the benefits of increasing regional trade.

He would travel to the Western Region to see how oil and gas, as well as other resources such as forestry, are supporting Ghana's rapid growth and poverty reduction.

A particular emphasis of Mr O’Brien’s discussions would be the importance of using Ghana's natural resources well, the statement said, adding he would also look at the how the UK was contributing towards safe pregnancy and childbirth, and see the preparations being made for the last stage of the Government's campaign for universal access to long lasting Insecticide Treated Bed Nets, the UK’s support for which the Minister announced on his November 2010 visit.