French Ambassador, Frederic Clavier with Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Youth and Sports at the French National Day Event
The French Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Frederic Clavier has expressed his country’s incessant belief in the long-term prospects of Ghana’s economy.
Mr. Clavier, who was speaking at this year’s Bastille Day reception held at his residence on July 14, 2014 in Accra, said Ghana’s economic performance remains remarkable due to its regular, wise and judicious choices, adding that “even if some adjustments are expected, there is positive estimation of the country’s economy”.
According to him, the opening of the French Chamber of Commerce (CCFG) in the country earlier this year to further enhance French investments in the country illustrates the confidence of the French business community in the economic development of Ghana and their commitment towards facilitating the process.
“[This year], French companies in Ghana are 60, resulting in more than 475 million dollars of investment and nearly 1.7 billion dollars for bilateral trade between both countries….these figures are on a regular trend of growth” he said.
The Ambassador therefore expressed the need for improved relations between both countries through mutual confidence and partnerships, which he described as the new chapter of Ghana-France bilateral relations.
This new chapter, according to Mr. Clavier, should also transcend previous partnerships between both countries in all facets by enhancing diplomacy, development capacities, economic prospects as well as defense and security.
The Ambassador also disclosed an impending financial agreement between Ghana and France for a grant of eight hundred thousand euros (€800,000) to undertake a developmental project in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Sector Reform.
The project, which would be funded by French Solidarity Priority Fund (SPF), aims to consolidate accountability mechanisms existing at the central and local level, and also ensure citizen participation in public decisions.
The Bastille Day, also “La Bastille”, is the National day of the Republic of France, marked annually to commemorate the liberation of Bastille prisoners on July 14, 1789. By freeing the prisoners, the people signaled the rise of national liberty against tyranny and the unity of the country, which are embedded in the motto “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”.
The French Community in Ghana celebrated this year’s French National event at a reception organized by the Ambassador of France, H.E Frederic Clavier in honor of the French-Ghanaian friendship. The event was attended by a government delegation, led by the newly-assigned Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, traditional chiefs within the Accra metropolis and some Ghanaian friends of France.
By: Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call
