Veep urges Germany to help utilise IT for development

Vice President Aliu Mahama on Friday appealed to Germany to assist Ghana in its drive to use Information and Communication Technology to inform, educate and facilitate economic growth.

Alhaji Mahama, who was addressing a ceremony to begin a weeklong celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Goethe in Ghana, commended Germany for its assistance towards Ghana's political and socio-economic progress.

"Through the activities of German Political Foundations, the German Technical Co-operation and Goethe Institute, to mention a few, Germany has reached out to, and assisted, Ghanaians in various fields," he said.

Alhaji Mahama commissioned the new office complex of the Goethe Institut, at Cantonments, and expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries would strengthen with the improved facilities.

Goethe Institute, a German cultural and educational institution, with150 branches around the world, was established 50 years ago to promote friendship and understanding between that country and her allies.

It was named after a German poet.

Alhaji Mahama said the institute had helped forge closer ties between Ghana and Germany and contributed in erasing prejudices and strengthening mutual respect.

Dr Harald Loeschner, German Ambassador to Ghana, said culture was a significant feature in the bilateral relations between his country and Ghana, and lauded individuals and institutions, who had contributed towards achieving a fruitful relationship between the two countries.

"Both Germany and Ghana are reaching out not only to the cultural elite, but also to the disadvantaged and poor strata of society, because cultural activity is inherently mandated to alleviate poverty and provide social justice," he said.

Dr Loeschner pledged his country's commitment to support Ghana to achieve economic growth, promote good governance and the rule of law, in addition to sharing her literature, history and philosophy.

Ms Ute Grauerholz, of the Goethe Institute, Munich, said the institute would promote cultural exchange programmes between Ghana and her sub-regional neighbours to foster friendship and understanding.

She said intellectuals, experts, artists and artistes from the continent would be supported to share knowledge and experiences.

Professor George Hagan, Chairman of Ghana National Commission on Culture, said the commission would collaborate with the institute to promote cultural development in this era of globalisation.

Dr Petra Raymond, Director of the institute, announced a pilot project to teach German in senior secondary schools.

She said the institute had been collaborating with the National Theatre, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Ghana Institution of Architects, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, among other institutions to achieve its mission.

The new storey building has exhibition halls, classrooms, library with computers, audio-visual and other facilities.