Kumasi, Jan. 13, GNA - The visiting German President Horst Kohler on Friday pledged that Germany would collaborate with Ghana to solve the perennial problem of brain drain that had impeded Ghana's socio-economic development.

"The incessant exodus of Ghanaian professionals to Germany and other European countries to seek greener pastures should be a matter of concern to all of us. Germany is committed to fashion out a more comprehensive programme to redress the issue, 93he added. President Kohler made the pledge at a panel discussion on brain drain and its effects on Ghana at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi as part of his day's visit to the Ashanti Region.

Accompanied by his wife Eva, President Kohler is on a four-day visit to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral relations between both countries.

Earlier President Kohler attended a colourful durbar organised in his honour by Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace. President Kohler said as part of the collaborative efforts, Germany would ensure that Ghanaian professionals who had worked in Germany for more than five years returned to serve their motherland at least for a year under a mandatory and mutual arrangement between both countries. He commended Ghana for her good governance and efforts to improve the living standards of the people, and was optimistic Government would work hard to sustain the efforts.

President Kohler expressed appreciation to authorities of KNUST for their dedication to duty and commitment to boost the human resource base of the country through the establishment of programmes to enhance the capacity of its graduates.

Dr Kwame Addo-Kuffour, Minister of Defence said about 800 medical practitioners were retained in the country since the past two years, due to the introduction of post-graduate programmes and specialisation in the medical field.

He appealed to Ghanaian graduates in the Diaspora to endeavour to impart their knowledge and skills on their counterparts at home to facilitate the Government's vision to attain a middle-income status by 2015.

Nana Otuo-Serebuor II, Omanhene of Juaben Traditional Area and Chairman of KNUST Council, urged tertiary and professional institutions in the country to commit more resources to the training of more professionals and technocrats to reduce the effects of brain drain. President Kohler would participate in an African Forum scheduled for Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14 in Accra.