Mr. Iain Walker, British Envoy and Osei Assibey Antwi, the KMA Boss
THE BRITISH High Commissioner, Iain Walker, has assured of his readiness to play leading roles to help Kumasi become an industrial hub.
He said his country has a longstanding cordial relationship with the people of Kumasi and wants to use that to create wealth for the people.
“Kumasi is often referred to as Ghana’s second city. My goal is to support its ambition to become a leading industrial hub”, he indicated.
Mr. Walker added “I want to ensure that the historic Anglo-Ashanti relationship is delivering prosperity within the region for generations to come”.
He was speaking during the UK-Ghana Business Council Forum, which was held at the Golden Tulip in Kumasi on Tuesday.
The one-day forum provided a common platform for participants to discuss possible ways for socio-economic growth between the UK and Ghana.
Hosted by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), the forum was co-chaired by Mr. Walker and Osei Assibey Antwi, the Chief Executive of the KMA.
Mr. Walker said the UK has planned in advance to expand its engagements in Ghana from government-to-government to the regional and district levels.
According to him, the UK wants the ordinary Ghanaian, especially those living outside the capital city, to also feel the positive impact of the UK in the country.
Mr. Walker said the UK had invested in the modernization of the Kumasi Central Market, expansion of Kumasi airport and the construction of the Bekwai hospital.
According to him, the UK is committed to doing more so that Ghana would be able to transform to an appreciable level and better the lives of the people.
Osei Assibey Antwi, on his part, stressed on the need for the UK and Ghana to deepen their longstanding relations to help create wealth for the two countries.
“We should pursue our shared commitments for the eradication of poverty, enhance democracy, good governance and the rule of law”, the KMA chieftain remarked.
Osei Assibey Antwi described Ghana and UK’s present relationship as very friendly and called for more to be done by both sides to take the relations to newer heights.
The forum was held under the framework of the UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) and the participants had a fruitful discussions.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi