SVG, Ghana to establish diplomatic relations

St. Vincent and the Grenadines intends to establish bilateral relations with the Republic of Ghana.

Governor-General Sir Frederick Ballantyne returned here on Tuesday after a visit to the African nation.{{more}}

Though it was not an official trip on his itinerary, Sir Frederick paid a courtesy call to Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor in which they both expressed an interest in forging diplomatic relations.

According to reports from the Ghanaian press, President Kufuor pledged his resolve to promote closer ties between both Ghana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, arrangements which are expected to be completed by next month.

Though no timeline has been formalised, this country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Louis Straker confirmed that plans will be in place to facilitate the move to form closer relations with the West African nation.

The Foreign Affairs Minister believes closer ties with emerging economies in Africa can boost trade and tourism for this country.

“We are seeking to develop relations with African countries, particular West Africa where we would have ethnic ties,” Sir Louis told SEARCHLIGHT.

Ghana, which is a commonwealth Country and a member of the African, Caribbean Pacific group of States, has a population of over 23 million with Agriculture as the mainstay of the economy.

The discovery of major offshore oil reserves was announced in June 2007, encouraging expectations of a major economic boost in the West African country.