Accra and Tel Aviv have rekindled their ties with a resolve to deepen their bilateral and economic cooperation.
This follows a discussion held in Jerusalem between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem.
Mr Netanyahu lauded Ghana for the 8 percent economic growth and pledged to increase Israeli investment in Ghana.
Ghana and Israel have had long standing relations which dates back to the 1950s.
Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to recognise Israel in 1958.
The then Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meier and Dr Kwame Nkrumah were very good friends.
The first presidential aircraft used by President Nkrumah was given to Ghana by Israel.
This continued during the era of Dr Busia's government which led to the beginning of the Accra Sewage Project but it was halted when his government was toppled in a coup d'etat by military led General I.K. Acheampong in 1972.
Although diplomatic ties dwindled in the 70’s between the two countries, 2007 into 2011 saw a revival of a very friendly relationship and both countries have established stronger presence in Accra and Tel Aviv, since.
In pursuance of Ghana's economic transformation agenda which is anchored on industrialization and trade, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is in Israel to share the vision of the government to woo the Israeli investors community.
Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey met with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said Ghana has a population of 30 million with 60 percent of them being in the youthful bracket.
She also told the Israeli Premier that with the skilful youthful population, coupled with Ghana's resources, it will be mutually beneficial if ICT and agribusiness companies from Israel invest in Ghana.
On the investment climate, the Hon. Foreign Affairs Minister assured the Israelis that the government of Ghana has put in place laws that protect the interest of investors and urged them to put Ghana High on the map of investment.
<<Print>>