The construction of a $20 million annexe building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFARI) in Accra has commenced and is expected to be completed in 26 months.
The project is being financed with a grant from the Chinese Government.
The Sector Minister, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey during the sod-cutting ceremony on the Ministry’s premises on Monday expressed gratitude to the Chinese Government for the aid provided to construct an Annex Building to address inadequate office space.
She recalled the generosity of the Chinese Government when it constructed the current edifice in 2013 after the Ministry’s old premises were destroyed by fire.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey urged the contractor, Yanjian Group Company Limited and the Ghanaian consultant, Masaub Consults, to complete the project on time and with quality execution.
The Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Ambassador Ramses Cleland, noted that the gesture would further strengthen the long-standing relations between the Republic of Ghana and the People’s Republic of China.
“The building will accommodate the increased number of staff in the Ministry and enable the Ministry to make provision for some essential facilities that the existing building lacks such as press rooms and conference rooms, among others,” he added.
On his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Lu Kun, noted that the project would significantly improve the office environment of the Ministry.
“This would enable the Ministry to perform its functions to the benefit of the people of Ghana,” he stated.
He further noted that the execution of the project would be a major milestone in improving the already existing China-Ghana friendship and an important bridge of communication and cooperation between Ghana and the world.
The total construction area of the project is approximately 11,300 square meters, with six floors above-ground and one floor underground and consists of a press room, conference room, banquet hall, clinic, gymnasium, stores and an archives room.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
