Ghana has commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for its contribution to the socioeconomic development of the country, especially in the areas of energy, educational development, humanitarian assistance, agriculture and infrastructure.
“Ghana has poised a deep image of appreciation to Saudi Arabia in all necessary fields to enhance our initiatives for the mutual benefit of our citizens,” said Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adumako-Mensah.
He was addressing a reception in Accra on Wednesday organised by the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Accra, to mark the 94th anniversary of the kingdom, established on September 23, 1932 with Arabic as its national language and the Quran as its Constitution.
In attendance at the Saudi National Day were the Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Sultan Abdul-Rahman Al-Dakhel, Saudi Arabian community in Accra, Ministers of State, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, and friends of Saudi Arabia.
Mr Adomako-Mensah said Ghana’s relations with KSA dated back to the 1960s and noted with pride that her fruitful cooperation with KSA had culminated in the signing of a number of agreements between the two countries, including the recent agreements on military cooperation, an agreement between the Ghana Export Promotion Centre and the Saudi Export Agency, with the aim of promoting non-oil exports and business opportunities between the two countries.
The deputy minister encouraged Saudi investors to take advantage of the conducive business climate in Ghana, and the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to do business in the country.
He enumerated a number of projects the Saudi government had undertaken in Ghana, including the recent rehabilitation and expansion of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital to improve healthcare in Ghana.
Mr Adomako-Mensah reiterated Ghana’s resolve to cooperate with the KSA to promote global peace and security, and assured the international community of peaceful and fair December 7 general election.
For his part, Mr Al-Dakhel said the relations between the Kingdom and Ghana was characterised by mutual respect and cooperation, adding that Saudi Arabia is Ghana’s oldest bilateral partner in the Gulf Region and “Saudi Arabia’s relations with Ghana have paved the way for the expansion of its bilateral relations to the rest of the countries in the region.”
The Saudi-Ghana relations were indeed diverse and far-reaching, spanning multiple sectors; political, economic, investment and health, adding that King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre had also stepped up its activities in Ghana by providing humanitarian services to the good people of Ghana.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia indeed goes to great lengths to provide exceptional services and facilities to pilgrims and visitors from around the world, including Ghana, ensuring a comfortable and spiritual experience during Hajj and Umrah,” he said.
In the field of education, Mr Al- Dhakel said the Kingdom was one of the world’s leading scholarship destination for students as it continued to remain a priority partner for Ghana
BY ALHAJI SALIFU ABDUL-RAHAMAN