EU committed to reducing poverty in Africa
Mr Claude Maerten, Head of the European Union (EU) in Ghana, on Wednesday said that the body was committed to reducing poverty and ensuring prosperity in Africa.
He said the EU was a major development partner of Ghana, and Ghanaians could count on the Union for policies that would be to the benefit of the people.
Mr Maerten was addressing Heads and Diplomats of EU Member States in Accra, at a reception, as part of activities marking “Europe Day” in Ghana, on Wednesday in Accra.
He noted that Ghana was playing a major role in peacekeeping throughout the world, including Africa, where the people were experiencing too many upheavals, and condemned unconstitutional means of change of governments.
Mr Maerten noted that Ghana, which has a vibrant democracy, and organised five successfully elections, since 1992, was a model for other African countries.
“This year, 2012, is crucial in the history of Ghana since for the sixth time under the 1992 Constitution, Ghana is going to elect a President and Members of Parliament.”
Mr Maerten said “As proven in the last 20 years, once again, Ghana has to live by example and on behalf of the European Union, I call on all political party leaders and Ghanaians to be restrained and exercise their power as voters in peacefully, transparently and fairly. Ghana is rich in human and natural resources, including raw materials, land and water.”
He noted that since the origin of the EU, solidarity of European member states has always been at the forefront of progress, but does not stop at the external borders of Europe.”
Mr Maerten said the EU was widely recognized as one of the world’s leading and most innovative and effective international donor.
He said the Union was revamping its development policy titled “an Agenda for Change,” to promote good governance and economic growth in Ghana.
Mr Maerten said: “In few weeks time there will be the Rio+ 20 summit. Europe is happy to share the same level of ambition as Ghana, be it sustainable energy, which we are already committed to working together in the coming weeks, on water and sanitation or on climate change migration efforts.”
Source: GNA