Ghana and Malta have agreed to deepen relations in the fields of tourism, culture, trade and investment.
To this end, the two countries have decided to establish special committees to work out the modalities for the attainment of the objective.
This commitment was made when Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, paid a courtesy call on the President of Malta, Mr George Vella, in his office in Malta.
Dr Awal is in Malta to attend a Mediterranean Tourism Investment forum organized by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation.
The President described the relationship between Malta and Ghana as very cordial and expressed the need for both countries to step up cooperation, particularly in the areas of tourism, culture, trade and investment.
He disclosed that tourism accounted for over 40 per cent of Malta’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), saying the two countries could share knowledge and experience on tourism development as a window for trade and investment.
Mr Vella said Malta could be the gateway for Ghana to attract tourists and investment from the over 23 Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, and Greece.
Dr Awal said the government was implementing several initiatives aimed at transforming the Ghanaian economy and improving the lives of the people.
He said in the area of tourism, for instance, forts, castles and heritage sites were being renovated and modernized to attract more tourists to the country.
The Minister said the government was also ensuring that tourism and the creative arts contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and job creation, adding that Ghana was ready to share experiences with Malta in these fields.
He said that since tourism was a global economic activity without borders, it was imperative that no country was left behind in efforts to achieve sustainable tourism that protects the environment and the people.
Dr Awal urged businesses and investors from Malta and the Mediterranean, in general, to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) to deepen trade relations with Africa.
The Minister who was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Malta, Her Excellency Barbara Akuorkor Benisa, also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Malta, Mr Robert Abela as well as the Minister of Tourism, Mr Clayton Bartolo and Minister of Justice, Culture and local government, Mr Owen Bonnici.
