Ghana to open embassy in Qatar

Ghana is planning to open an embassy in Qatar soon, as the country takes steps to develop strong diplomatic relations with the economically powerful Gulf State, President John Dramani Mahama has said.
The embassy, which will be sited in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, will help in Ghana’s efforts to develop political and economic relations with Qatar and building mutual trust between the two nations.
President Mahama gave the hint when he held talks with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifah Al Thani, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha yesterday.
Currently, the Embassy of Ghana in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has oversight responsibility for Qatar.
President Mahama, who was on a three-day state visit to Qatar, discussed the potential of partnership between Ghana and Qatar in various areas of investment, notably energy, sports and agriculture.
Briefing journalists in Doha after the meeting between the President and the Prime Minister, the Presidential Spokesman, Mr Ben Dotse Malor, said President Mahama invited the Qatari government to also consider opening an embassy in Accra to strengthen its relations with Ghana.
The President said Ghana was perfectly placed as the hub for doing business in West Africa and urged Qatar to take advantage of that to invest in the country.
He commended Qatar for the establishment and effective management of the Qatari Sovereign Wealth Fund which was geared towards investing strategically for the future.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah commended Ghana for being a shining example of democratic and economic development in Africa.
He said Qatar was delighted to be opening a new chapter in its relationship with Ghana with the President's visit.
In a related development, Qatar Airways, the national airline of Qatar, has decided to operate a direct flight to Accra early next year.
That followed a meeting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways, Mr Akbar Al Baker, had with President Mahama in Doha last Sunday night.
He said he was impressed with Ghana's political and economic development, adding that the airline was convinced it was worthwhile doing business with Ghana.
President Mahama said Ghana was planning to build a new international airport which would come with world-class facilities.
He called on Qatar to consider being a partner in the development of the airport.
President Mahama toured the Qatar Foundation and the Islamic Museum, both in Doha, yesterday.