Ghanaians Abroad to Be Coerced Back

Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister for Foreign Affairs says the government of Ghana would work with European governments to entice Ghanaians abroad to bring their expertise back to develop the nation.

"Ghana [has a] shortage of middle level personnel to help manage the technical and economic affairs of the nation," he said. "These experts are working at various fields in the developed countries of Europe."

Interacting with Italian delegates led by Senator Alfredo Mantica, Italy's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, at his offices in Accra yesterday, Mr. Owusu-Agyeman appealed to the government of Italy to collaborate with other European countries to assist Ghanaians abroad to come and establish companies and industries in the country. He said this would yield dividends for them as well as create employment and reduce poverty in Ghana.

The Italian delegation is in the country to hold discussions with government officials, industrialists and people in the business community.

Mr. Owusu-Agyeman said this would help solve the immigration problem in Europe.

He said the double taxation issue would be solved to create an enabling environment for investment and encouraged both Ghanaians and Italian investors to take the opportunity to invest in Ghana.

He said the government is doing everything possible to promote development and improve the living conditions of the people, but added that the government is not receiving enough funds from its development partners. He asked them to increase the low level of assistance to Ghana so that it can achieve its objectives.

On regional cooperation, the Minister said Ghana has contributed significantly in various peace efforts, but again lack of adequate funding has hampered efforts. He said for instance, the UK gave $3 million to Ghana to maintain the force in Cote d'Ivoire but this is not enough to maintain the number of troops there and called for support from Italy.

Senator Alfredo Mantica promised that Italy would seduce Ghanaians abroad to bring back their skills to help the nation. He said his government is working to bring volunteers to come and assist Ghana in various fields.

He said his delegation has been touring in Africa for a period of time and the problem they have experienced is with building of democracy and peace.

He encouraged the government to go on with its democracy and developmental process, "the process going on in Ghana is necessary and needs to be supported".