Photos: Ghanaians give Mahama rousing welcome in Germany

President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Berlin Sunday evening to a rousing welcome by some Ghanaians resident in the European country. Some of the Ghanaians who met him on arrival carried placards, some of which read: “Welcome President JM, Germany”, “thanks, resolute and calm leadership”, “thanks for providing potable water,” among others. The visit is expected to strengthen relations between the two countries and explore new avenues for cooperation. The President left Accra Sunday morning and will on Monday hold discussions with the Federal President, Joachim Gauck, and the German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel. He will hold meetings with other German officials, institutions, businesses and address an Investment Forum on Tuesday. Ghana and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1960 and have since enjoyed the cooperation and support of each other. Ghana is a priority partner country for German Development Cooperation and has benefited from German assistance in various facets including social, economic and political development. Germany is supporting Ghana's 2013- 2015 fiscal year with EUR130 million, comprising EUR 100 million for Financial Cooperation (FC) projects/ programmes and EUR 30 million for Technical Cooperation (TC). President Mahama, who is the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will in his meetings also discuss issues of concern to the West African sub-region and the African continent. This includes fighting terrorism, strengthening the regional blocs, and the establishment of emergency health alert systems.