12 Nov : Ghana has conferred its highest national award on Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma, in recognition of his contribution to the development of the African region.Bestowing the title of ‘The Companion of the Order of Volta’, President John Agyekum Kufuor termed Sharma “as a friend of Ghana” and said he was instrumental in developing India’s relations with countries in the African region.“The award is a recognition of Anand Sharma’s personal efforts for his contribution to the development of Africa and his commitment to the underprivileged,” he said, while inaugurating the new Presidential complex known as ‘The Golden Jubilee House’ in the country’s capital Accra on Monday.
Kufuor appreciated India’s timely assistance for the project.
“The structure constructed by Indian company Shapoorji Pallonji & Co which includes offices of the President and the Vice President is an evidence of very strong bond of friendship that exists between Ghana and India,” he said.
India had provided a Line of Credit of USD 30 million on soft terms for the project. Sharma in his address spoke of India’s efforts to assist all African countries in their development.
He said the 21st century belongs to Africa and Asia and that both continents should get their due place in the international arena.