International relations expert hails Israeli minister's visit

International relations expert Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso says it does not hurt for Ghana to build good relations with Israel.

Dr. Danso's comment follows a protest by the Ghana Palestine Solidarity Campaign against the planned visit of Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Lieberman.

Mr Lieberman is expected in the country next Monday as part of a four-nation African tour.

It will be the first time a high-profile Israeli official is visiting the country in over 20 years.

But the Palestine Solidarity Campaign group wants government to cancel the visit, arguing Lieberman is racist.

It says allowing the Israeli minister's visit will raise questions about the foreign policy of the Mills administration.

But Dr. Antwi-Danso who is also a senior lecturer at the Legon Centre for International Affairs wants Ghana to rather seize the opportunity to create a mutually beneficial relationship with Israel.

Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni has also indicated that Mr Lieberman's visit is a goodwill visit which will boost Ghana's relations with that country.