Volta chiefs visit China to woo investors

Togbe Afede and Hon Amenewode with Chinese Government officials(left), Togbe Afede and Mr. Amenewode greeting the governor of Ningxia Autonomous Region(right)

The desire of the chiefs and people of Volta Region to   attract investment for rapid  development was taken to another level recently, when the chiefs, led by Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, and government officials visited China's semi autonomous region of Ningxia Hui to explore business opportunities.

The delegation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a twinning arrangement between the Government of Ningxia Hui and the Volta Region.

The Volta Region Development Agency (VORDA) coordinated the trip, in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, the Volta Region House of Chiefs and the Regional Co-coordinating Council.

twinning arrangement between a Chinese Province and Volta Region is the first of its kind in sub-Sahara Africa, and will boost the image, enhance the economic prospects of the Volta Region in particular, and Ghana in general, noted a statement released by the chiefs.

Among the delegation was Joe Amenewode, Regional Minister. It also included representatives from the business community, led by Nana Owusu Afari, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, and other prominent members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, including Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Vice President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Paramount Chief of Anfoega, Nana Mprah Bese-muna III, Paramount Chief of Krachi, Osie Adza Tepkor, Paramount Chief of Avatime, and Togbe Patamia Dzekley VII, Paramount Chief of Battor.

The rest are Mamaga Akosua, Paramount Queenmother of the Sasadu Traditional Area and Board Member of VORDA, and the coordinator of the trip, Appiah- Danquah Kufuor, a Board Member of the Volta Region Development Agency (VORDA).

With a long history, unique scenery and rich natural resources, Ningxia is the only autonomous region of Hui Muslim inhabitants in China, and has a total population of 6.30 million.

The Ghanaian delegation was privileged to attend the 2011 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair, and the Second China-Arab Economic and Trade Forum, which was held in the beautiful capital city of Ningxia (Yinchuan).

The event enhanced the bilateral trade and communication links between the people of Ghana and China.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Sand Lake Fishery Company and the Horticulture Industry Zone of Helan Country, where it met with top officials and entrepreneurs. The aim was for both parties to exchange ideas and contacts, and to study the aquaculture and rice industry of both provinces.

The chiefs and government were introduced to a Modern Agriculture Demonstration Zone, which had modern methods of producing crops, and would be applicable to farmers in the Volta Region.

The Ningxia Medical University, which is well known for its expertise in traditional medicine, was a place not to be missed, as the delegates interacted, discussed and held an open door meeting with the top officials, teachers and doctors of the university.

The Chinese Ambassador will sign the MoU on behalf of Ningxia here in Ghana on the 6th December 2011 at Ho, at the residence of the Volta Regional Minister. A government delegation from Ningxia/China will visit the Volta Region in February 2012.