Ghanaian leader commends President Granger for ‘strong leadership’

– vows to deepen bilateral cooperation

– touts establishment of joint vehicle to manage oil revenues

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Visiting Ghanaian Head of State Nana Akufo-Addo today commended President David Granger’s leadership and vowed to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

“I have to commend you Mr. President for the strong leadership you have exemplified upon assuming the reins of Government in 2015,” President Akufo-Addo noted while speaking at a luncheon hosted in his honour at State House.

He highlighted Guyana’s upward trajectory since the Granger-led administration assumed office.  Citing a growth rate of 3.26 per cent at the end of 2015, President Akufo-Addo related, “the Guyanese economy according to The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is projected to grow at 4.6 per cent this year. With the Agricultural and extractive sectors of the economy witnessing significant growth it would be fair to conclude that your vision of building a diversified and resilient economy is on course,” the Ghanaian leader pointed out.

Akufo-Addo is the second Ghanaian leader to visit Guyana since the two nations established diplomatic relations in May 14, 1979. The Ghanaian leader and his delegation are in Guyana for a two-day state visit.

President Akufo-Addo said his country is looking to deepen its bilateral relations with Guyana in the areas of agriculture, energy, trade, education, tourism and in oil and gas.

Ghana’s oil production is set to substantially go up as it made a new discovery of large oil deposits in the Western Region.  The country currently produces 200,000 barrels of oil per day and the new oilfield would add another 200,000 barrels daily by 2021.

“We have heard the good news too of the recent discovery of large deposit of oil and gas in offshore Guyana…we should explore promptly, the possibility of establishing a joint vehicle to assist in the effective management of oil and gas revenues,” President Akufo-Addo recommended.  He said his country is well equipped to share with Guyana the “dos and don’ts” in the area and make available quality technical assistance.

Earlier today, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon disclosed that agreements were signed on the abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the two countries.

Additionally, agreements on trade and industry were signed as the West African territory expressed interest in Guyana’s timber and rum industries.

Images: Department of Public Information