GHANA – Ghana has intentions of reviving its trade ties with the Czech Republic which date back to the 1950s when the European country set up industries in the West African nation.

Ghana’s intentions were made clear by its Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey  during a meeting with her counterpart from Czech Republic, Tomas Patrick, in New York, USA, on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

The foreign minister expressed the determination of Ghana to build stronger bilateral relations with the Czech Republic for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

Ghana also urged the Government of Czech Republic to assist with the establishment of factories that have been identified by Government through the One District One Factory policy.

Ms Ayorkor Botchwey acknowledged the contribution of the Czech Republic to Ghana’s socio-economic development during early independence era.

she further mention the assistance provided by the Czechs in the establishment of a number of factories including the Aboso Glass Factory, Saltpond Ceramics, Kade Match Factory, Komenda Sugar Factory and the Kumasi Shoe Factory.

Ms. Botchwey went ahead and requested the Czech Republic to revamp some of these industries that it set up in the country during the 1950s.

She disclosed that the Government of Ghana remains mindful of the importance of the manufacturing sector to achieving economic growth.

She added that the government’s renewed focus on adding value to primary produce and raw materials was a way of boosting industrialization of the economy which will result in enhanced exports returns and job creation for the youth.

According to the finance minister, the Ghanaian Government was implementing an economic policy of “One District One Factory” to achieve its industrialization goal.

The “One District One Factory” policy’s main aim according to Ms. Botchwey, was to equip and empower communities to utilize their local resources in manufacturing products for local and international consumption.

According to her, opportunities abound for cooperation between the two countries existed in the areas of agriculture and agro-processing, construction, manufacturing, energy, oil, services and security.

She urged the Czech Government to further consider enhancing cooperation with the Government of Ghana in the aforementioned areas.