Veep calls for stronger ties among developing countries

Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday called for South-South co-operation and said it was an important framework to accelerate the development goals of developing countries in the emerging global economy.

"We in Ghana have tried to give real meaning to the critical objective of South-South co-operation by acting in concert with our friends in Africa to achieve the common goals of creating employment, generating income, eradicating poverty and promoting economic growth and sustainable development," he said.

He made the call at a dinner at Midrand in South Africa to wrap up Ghana-South Africa Business and Investment forum.

The two-day intensive forum, which was part of activities to climax Ghana's independence celebration in South Africa, attracted a number of investors eager to sink their money mainly into real estate development, mining, agriculture and agro-processing.

Vice President Mahama said relations between Ghana and South Africa was built upon a number international principles including those enunciated in the United Nations Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the basic documents of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77.

"Our two countries are united in the common quest for a just and equitable world order and the need to urgently fulfil the development aspirations of our peoples.

"Under the framework of the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development, our two countries are committed to working to put the African Continent on a sustainable path towards economic growth and development."

Vice President Mahama said effective co-operation between the private sectors of the two countries was mutually beneficial and would ensure the exchange of ideas, capital and good management practices.

He said such an approach would help the two countries to develop the requisite potential in complementing the efforts of government.

"It is thus my hope that this Business and investment Forum will lead to the establishment of mutually beneficial relations and profitable ventures between the private sectors of Ghana and South Africa."

"There are many business opportunities that we s take forward. It is in our interest just not to talk but to act and act now," he said attracting prolonged applause.

Credit: Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah, GNA Special Correspondent, South Africa