Turkey pledges robust projects, bilateral co-operation with Ghana

The Turkish ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Özlem Ergün Ulueren has expressed the countries continued interest in contribution to Ghana’s development.

The Turkish Embassy in Ghana held its 96th Anniversary in commemoration of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey at the Marriott Hotel in Accra.

The national day of Turkey commemorates the events of 29th October 1923 when Mustafa Kamal Ataturk declared that Turkey was henceforth a republic. Shortly after the declaration a vote was held wherein Ataturk was elected as the first President of The Republic of Turkey.

Ghana joined in the celebration as part of the cordial relations existing between the sovereign nation and Turkey to mark the historic occasion.

Mrs Özlem Ergün Ulueren in her remarks extols how Turkish companies have so far proved their competences in contributing to Ghana’s development efforts, in the sectors of energy, construction, logistics, aviation, health, and water treatment in Ghana. Whereas, tourism, agriculture, transport and affordable housing stand as promising additional areas.” She further noted that Turkey is determined to continue to be a development partner for Ghana in line with His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo vision of Ghana Beyond Aid and other flagship projects.

 “We always commend Ghana’s pioneering role in the history of the continent. At this juncture of deepening integration at the continental scale, we congratulate Ghana for being elected as the host country for the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area.” She added.

Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi on behalf of the government of Ghana expressed gratitude to the Turkish government of its continue support to Ghana. She said “In the area of cultural and educational cooperation, I wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution the government of Turkey made towards Ghana’s 60th Anniversary celebration which was marked on 6th March 2017, by offering to re-roof the National Gallery/National Museum of Ghana through MAPA Ghana Limited which shows the importance Turkey attaches to its cultural cooperation with Ghana.”

She further reiterated Ghana’s commitment to economic development adding that, “Our determination is to build a resilient economy, modernize our agricultural sector, pursue industrial transformation and infrastructural development demonstrate Government’s commitment to creating a competitive, stable and healthy economy that makes Ghana an attractive destination for investment.”

She added that, the construction of the new terminal at the Kotoka International Airport and the establishment of a bus assembly plant in Cape Coast as two of the most notable investments between our two countries in recent years. She also stated that, “As a developing country, Ghana’s ability to reduce poverty, boost economic growth, create jobs and increase income largely depends on a well-educated population. That is why the Government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo introduced the free Senior High School Education in 2017 to ensure that no child in Ghana will be denied access to education because of inability to afford school fees. We, therefore, welcome the participation of Turkish companies in the expansion of Ghana’s educational infrastructure.”

Some of the remarkable ties Ghana and Turkey have embarked on as enumerated by the Turkish Ambassador include:
• Opening of the Nursery and Kindergarten of the Maarif International School in Accra under the auspices of Turkish Maarif Foundation
• Protocols signed between Ankara University and University of Ghana opened for Ghanaian university students and scholars to engage in academic life in Turkey as guest students and lecturers
• Turkish Airlines continues to support Ghana’s development efforts by connecting the country to 316 destinations through Istanbul.