Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Birender Sigh on Monday, 19th April 2021 paid a curtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah as part of a 5-day visitation to some major stakeholders in the Ashanti Region for the establishment of a renewed cooperation.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, in his welcome address to the Indian high commissioner acknowledged the existing cooperation between the two countries.
In a wide range of discussions, The Regional Minister requested the Indian Commissioner for more cooperation in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for some targeted institutions in the region such as education, health and other firms. He also indicated that several projects are being undertaking by the Ghanaian government in Kumasi geared towards making the city more industrial friendly. He therefore urged the Indian high commissioner and the Indian government, as well as the Indian Community to invest in industries in the Region.
The Ashanti Regional Minister (left) and the Indian High Commissioner (right) exchanging some cultural artefacts
According to the Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ghanaian government has taken it upon itself to make Kumasi an industrial city and has for that matter put in place several developmental projects such as; the construction of Kumasi international airport which is set to aid in enhancing international transport system in Ghana coupled with the Kotoka international airport. He added that the completion of the dualization of Accra-Kumasi high way would also be very essential for both industrial and commercial purposes. Also, “the connection of a rail way from the two major sea ports; Tema and Takoradi to a community called Boankra where the government is developing an inland port” is very crucial for industrialization.
The Indian high commissioner on his part indicated that, as part of his visit he would meet with the vice chancellor of KNUST to elaborate on how best KNUST and some top tertiary institutions in India can cooperate on I.C.T especially in the field of software development and organize periodic exchange programs.