Accra (Greater Accra), 18 Nov. 1998 –
Mr Francios Sauvedit, chairman of the France/Ghana Parliamentarian Friendship Association, yesterday said that Ghana has a unique role to play in France’s new policy of seeking cooperation with non- Francophone countries. He said being surrounded by French speaking countries, Ghana can serve as a spring board for the policy in the West Africa sub-region. Mr Sauvedit was speaking to newsmen in a pre-departure interview at the Kotoka International Airport [KIA], after leading a four-member French parliamentary delegation on a four-day official visit to the country. The visit was to reinforce links between the parliaments peoples of Ghana and France. He commended the government’s efforts in enhancing economic development, ensuring stability and strengthening the democratic process. “I am convinced that Ghana will be able to take her destiny into her own hands and ensure a sound socio-economic and political development of her people,” he stated. He said his association will impress upon the French government to help in the training of Ghana’s manpower and to establish an exchange programme between the two parliaments to enhance cooperation between the two countries. French companies and institutions in the country also share the same view of forging closer partnership with their Ghanaian counterparts, he said adding that members of the delegation were impressed with French assisted projects when they went on an inspection tour of the Central region. Over 800 bore-holes are being sunk in twelve districts of the region with French assistance. While in the country, the delegation called on President Rawlings, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Justice D. F. Annan, government officials and members of the opposition and held discussions with the business community. The delegation was seen off by members of the Ghana branch of the association led by Mr Ken Dzirasah, First deputy Speaker of Parliament.
