The government has presented 12 containers of cocoa products estimated at GH¢4 million to the Turkish government to support the victims of the earthquake that happened in the country.
The products comprise 130 tonnes of cocoa powder (10 containers of cocoa powder) and two tonnes of cocoa spread (two containers).
The donation was made to the Turkish government through its embassy in Accra by the Ministry of Finance and the Cocoa Processing Company.
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who made the donation through the Turkish Embassy in Accra on Friday, said the donation was to support the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkiye this year.
Turkiye on February 6 this year suffered an earthquake which claimed more than 50,000 lives including ace Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu.
Mr Ofori-Atta said Ghana and Turkiye had enjoyed strong partnership and bilateral relationship.
He said Turkiye had supported numerous development projects including water and health projects.
“Ghana and Turkiye have enjoyed fruitful relationship for the past several decades. Therefore, it is important as friends to show love and support to Turkiye in this difficult period to cater for the victims of the earthquake that hit the country,” Mr Ofori-Atta stated.
He said cabinet directed the Ministry of Finance and Cocoa Processing Company to make the donation to Turkiye.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, in remarks said Ghana established diplomatic and bilateral relationship with Turkiye in 1958.
“The relationship between Ghana and Turkiye over the past several decades has been fruitful. Ghana has found in Turkiye a dependable partner,” she stated.
The Minister prayed the magnitude of such a disaster should never again befall the country and expressed the condolences and well-wishes of Ghana to the government of Turkiye and the families who lost their loved ones.
The Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Huseyin Gungor, expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Turkiye to the Ghanaian government.
He said Ghana had supported Turkiye since the disaster happened on February 6, 2023.
“In these difficult times, you find who your true friends are,” he stated and said Ghana had demonstrated to be a good friend.
He said the two countries would continue to work to strengthen the bilateral and diplomatic relations between them.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
