The Ambassador of Cuba, Pedro Luis Despaigne González, was received by the Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana and member of Parliament, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, in his office.
Dr. Afriyie Akoto, after highlighting the historical-cultural ties that unite Ghana and Cuba, explained the essential elements of the agricultural policy of the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo, and synthesized in the Program "planting for food and jobs". The Minister also expressed the interest of his government to strengthen cooperation with Cuba in the area of food production.
The Cuban diplomat explained to the Minister the process of transformation initiated in the Cuban agriculture after the triumph of the Revolution on 1st January, 1959 and gave him the announcement for the XXI International Agroindustrial Food Fair to be held in Havana, from March 17 to 25, 2018. He also stressed that for Cuba this 1st November is a significant day, because in the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Cuba’s Report on Resolution 71/5 would be presented, in which once again the international community would demand the end of the criminal blockade that the Cuban people have suffered for more than five decades. The Minister ratified the position of the government and the people of Ghana against the blockade.
The Ghanaian Minister also referred to Cuba’s progress in the eradication of diseases such as malaria, which is endemic in his country. He also reiterated the interest of the country's President, Nana Akufo-Addo, to establish a biolarvicide factory in Ghana on a subregional basis, with Cuban cooperation.
The Vice Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Sagre Bambangi, and Mr. Richard Tumaini, one of the directors of the Ministry, were present at the interview. The Ambassador of Cuba was accompanied by the First Secretary of the Embassy, Julio César Sánchez Martínez.