The Presidential Coordinator for Zongo and Inner-City Development, Alhaji Baban Lamin Abu Sadat, has paid working visits to the ambassadors of Iran, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the Qatar Charity Organisation to reaffirm the Government of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Arab world.

The visits aimed to deepen partnerships between the Arab embassies and the Zongo and Inner-City Development Secretariat, as well as to express appreciation for the continued support extended to Zongo and inner-city communities across the country.

Alhaji Abu Sadat commended the embassies and their partner organisations for their contributions toward the provision of essential social infrastructure including schools, hospitals, mosques, boreholes, and Ramadan and Hajj support which have significantly improved living standards in underprivileged communities.

He conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s appreciation to the Arab states for their consistent and invaluable contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic development, describing their assistance as “a vital thread in the nation’s development story.”

According to the Coordinator, President Mahama acknowledges the substantial progress made in education, health, and community development through Arab partnerships, adding that the advancement of Zongo communities cannot be complete without their continued involvement.

Alhaji Abu Sadat further called for expanded investment in Zongo and inner-city communities, emphasizing that collaborative development remains key to promoting inclusion and national unity.

“Our vision is to transform Zongos and inner cities into thriving, self-reliant communities. We welcome every partner who shares that vision because development must reach every Ghanaian, everywhere,” he stated.

On their part, the ambassadors commended Ghana for fostering an atmosphere of peace, stability, and religious tolerance, which enables them to freely undertake humanitarian and development activities across the country.

They also appealed to the government to consider granting tax waivers on materials and equipment imported for humanitarian and development projects, noting that such measures would empower them to extend more facilities to underserved communities, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

The diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Government of Ghana to advance social development cooperation. The Qatar Charity Organisation, in particular, reiterated its dedication to supporting projects that uplift lives and promote sustainable growth across the country.

In response, Alhaji Abu Sadat assured the diplomats that the government values their partnership and will give due consideration to their request through the appropriate channels.

“We believe that easing certain constraints can enhance the speed and scale of impact, especially in education, health, and water supply for deprived communities,” he said.

Alhaji Abu Sadat was accompanied by officials from the Zongo and Inner-City Development Secretariat during the embassy visits.