Iran lauds Ghana`s economic and political policies

WITH IDEAS that the present government, under the leadership of President John Agyekum Kufuor is formulating, there seems to be a lot of room for optimism of Ghana's economic and social revival.

It seems that Ghana's target to be a middle-income country during the next decade would be achievable.

These sentiments were expressed by His Excellency, Mr. Valiollah Mohammadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the 28th anniversary celebration of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in Accra.

The Ambassador noted that Ghana's remarkable roles with various regional, sub-regional and international organisations were praise worthy and congratulated President Kufuor on his election as the Chairman of the African Union.

Mr. Mohammadi observed that in the light of the principal policy of further promoting ties of friendship with African countries, Iran attached significance to its ties with Ghana as has been manifested through enhanced diversified activities; “we have embarked in such areas that are highly needed in this country”.

He expressed his happiness that during the last two decades, “We have been a partner of Ghana in her efforts to promote the well being of the people.

“We have had our humble contribution with our Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD), Iran Clinic, Islamic University College and had recently donated 41 ambulances to Ghana.”

The Ambassador said it was a pleasure that his country's anniversary commemoration has coincided with Ghana's Golden Jubilee celebrations and congratulated the government and people of Ghana for the country's 50 years of existence.

Mr. Mohammadi observed that “With the birth of Ghana as an independent nation 50 years ago, Africa was re-born and gradually colonialism and racism are finally fading away and I hope the revival of Ghana's economy and promotion of good governance, will also have the same impact on the rest of sub-Saharan Africa”.

His Excellency said since his arrival in the country, he had noticed the changes that were taking place and that the agenda that has been taken by the country's government to eradicate poverty, to attain greater prosperity for the entire people of Ghana and to uphold good governance was yielding tangible results.

He enumerated the struggle the Islamic Republic of Iran went through, noting that, “Our Great Revolution is the embodiment of the long march of the Iranian people to establish the rule of law which began with the constitutional movement about 100 years ago”.

On the row with the West on his country's attempt to have nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, Mr. Mohammadi said Iran has been a victim of double standard policies as was the case during the eight years imposed war with Iraq.

“ We have done enough to assure the world of our peaceful atomic policy”, he added.

The Minister of Railways, Ports and Harbours, Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Ghana to the Islamic Republic of Iran for the cordial relations existing between the two countries.

He applauded the Iranian government for its numerous forms of assistance to Ghana and wished them a happy anniversary.