Kumasi, July 8, GNA - The United States has given high marks to Ghana for the significant strides it is making in democratic governance. Ms Vernelle Trim, Head of Political Section, US Embassy in Accra, said

"I am really impressed with the enthusiasm of the people and their optimism for the future in my interactions with the people on some of my working visit to some parts of the country", she said.

Ms Trim was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after she had paid a courtesy call to Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, in Kumasi on Thursday.

It formed part of her nationwide tour to familiarize herself with the regions and have better understanding of the cultural diversity and socio-economic aspirations of the people.

She said as much as she was satisfied with the gains made by the nation over the years it was imperative that the youth were actively involved in decision-making since they constituted strategic partners in the development agenda.

Ms Trim called for more investment in education and infrastructure development to speed up growth in all sectors of the economy.

Dr Agyemang-Mensah spoke of the immense tourism and socio-economic potentials of the region and said the government was determined to develop those potentials.

He commended the US for its strong bilateral relationship with Ghana.