The Mills' administration has reaffirmed its commitment to pursue economic diplomacy, as part of its foreign policy programme. This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, at a Meet the Press Series on Tuesday. Using the parameters set-out in the NDC's 2008 manifesto, he explained that, a more dynamic vision that empowers' Ghanaians to engage in socio-economic and cultural activities would inform Ghana's foreign policy that would ensure mutually beneficial foreign relations. The sector minister further expressed governments' commitment to pursue multilateralism, good neigbhourliness, and re-invigoration of the integration agenda of ECOWAS. This he said would "enhance opportunities for using foreign relations as a major catalyst for increased investments in expanding the economic, political, cultural and social relations of Ghana in the globalised world." Towards this end, Alhaji Mumuni stated government's determination to sharpen the diplomatic skills of the newly appointed high commissioners and ambassadors, through an induction seminar, before they leave for their respective countries of accreditation. While extolling the contribution of Ghana towards conflict resolution and peace building in the world; Alhaji Mumuni described 2008 as a positive year. He said, in spite of the world?s economic and food crisis, coupled with the hikes in fuel prices, the minister pledged governments' determination to be transparent in using proceeds from the oil find to "bring meaningful development to the people of Ghana." The minister maintained that Ghana's membership of NAM which was very active in the 1970s is as relevant today, because with its large membership, the movement plays a key role in projecting the development agendas of especially countries of the south. The minister said that Ghana's foreign policy continues to be propelled by the desire to promote and protect the national interest. This he said would be done by using the governments' achievement in the area of good governance and democratic practice to enhance the image of the country abroad and also articulate governments' progressive economic policies to engage the interest of major economic and political players to support national development. Alhaji Mumuni reiterated the governments' commitment to "re-focus attention towards the economic imperatives of the ECOWAS projects, particularly for the development of a functioning trade liberalization scheme and a common monetary union through the strategy of a second of a Monetary Zone. He added that through the inspiration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana continues to play a leading role in AU, as it actively holds membership of Community of Saharan and Sahel Countries (CEN-SAD) and Co-Prosperity Alliance Zone (COPAZ). In paying glowing tributes to the role Osagyefo Nkrumah played in African emancipation, the Minister announced that, his ministry is currently working with the AU to institutionalize the celebration of 21st September each year as Nkrumah's Day as part of the commemoration of his centenary anniversary. He intimated that the historic visit to Ghana by President Obama early last month, was in recognition of Ghana's democratic credentials and the pedigree of its rule of law. "The visit of President Obama goes a long way to reinforce an already positive image this country has undoubtedly created for herself through the years, and one which successive Governments have striven to build upon," Alhaji Mumuni observed. In its bid to strengthen the relations with her foreign partners, the Minister acknowledged the contribution of foreign donors. Alhaji Mumuni observed that Ghana continues to receive support from Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica Canada, Japan and China, as well as other donor countries. As a result of what the minister described as cordial relations, "Ghana-Cuba Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation" now thrives well in the area of the health Sector, where 228 Cuban Medical Brigade renders dedicated services in all the 10 regions. Apart from the Brazilian governments' annual award of scholarship to Ghanaians to study in that country since 1972; the Ghana government also receives credits in various sums to boost its energy and agric sectors. The minister mentioned a US$ 500million credit facility for the construction of two hydro electric plants in Juale and Pwalugu that would generate 90 and 50 megawatts of power respectively. Others include their support in the development of a 30,000 hectare sugarcane plantation. Likewise, Ghana annually receives a $ 15 million dollar assistance from Canada through CIDA. Source: Public Agenda/Ghana