Owner of Virgin group of companies in Ghana

Accra (Greater Accra), 23 Nov. 1998 Mr Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin Group of Companies, arrived in the country yesterday for a two-day exploratory visit at the invitation of the government. Speaking to newsmen at the Kotoka International Airport [KIA], Mr Branson said he is in the country to explore areas for possible investment, especially in the aviation, railways and entertainment sectors. He noted that Ghana's track record of political stability and a viable democracy has won the admiration of the world. "Ghana is a viable place to do business. The success of Ghana's economic and political development, would send the right signals to other African countries to thread the same path". He said, from Ghana, he will go to Morocco for his final training to fly in a balloon across the world. Mr Branson will pay a courtesy call on President Rawlings, meet officials of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the business community. The Virgin Group has interests in the music industry, Internet, book and software publishing, film and video editing. Other areas include hotel, travel and tour, and cinema. The Group consists of over 100 companies in 23 countries. They include Virgin Atlantic Airways, the second largest British international airline, with a fleet of Boeing 747 and airbus throughout the world. He was met on arrival by Mr Edward Salia, Minister of Roads and Transport and officials from the aviation industry.