Kumasi Mayor Raps British Envoy

Osei Assibey Antwi, Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) , has called for the support of the United Kingdom (UK) to help eradicate poverty and replace it with wealth creation for residents of Kumasi.

Tracing history, he said the UK and Ghana have strong links that has provided the basis for the two countries to pursue “our shared commitments for the eradication of poverty”.

The Kumasi Mayor, still calling for the constant support of the UK, said Kumasi critically needed the UKs support to boost good governance, rule of law and others.

Osei Assibey Antwi made the passionate call to the UK through the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Iain Walker during a forum in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The forum, under the framework of the UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC), provided a platform for participants to discuss ways create socio-economic growth for the two countries.

Osei Assibey Antwi expressed satisfaction about the cordial relationship that existed between Ghana and the UK, calling for more efforts to deepen the friendship.

Mr. Iain Walker, in his address, stated boldly that his office would do whatever it could to help ensure that Kumasi and its people would overcome poverty and swim in wealth.

He particularly stated his desire to help Kumasi to become an industrial hub in the country “My goal is to support Kumasi’s ambition to become an industrial hub”.

According to him, his administration would make sure that the “The historic Anglo-Ashanti relationship is delivering prosperity within the region for generations to come”.

The British High Commissioner recounted how his country had invested in the Kumasi Central Market project and other facilities in the city, promising that the UK would do more for Kumasi.

The UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) is a biannual high-level meeting between top UK and Ghana government Officials and Ministers.

The meeting is used as a vehicle to move forward a new strategic economic partnership between the UK and Ghana that focuses on increased trade and investment and additionally emphasizes the development of priority sectors of the Ghanaian economy that leads to job creation and sustained economic growth.

The UK has already made a significant impact in the Ashanti region, most recently the modernisation and expansion of Kumasi Market, the expansion of Kumasi airport and construction of Bekwai Hospital – all supported by £130 million worth of UK Export Finance