Mahama in Italy for economic talks

President John Dramani Mahama is off to Rome, Italy to hold discussions with the Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The Ghanaian leader is also expected to meet with the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, on Thursday to “discuss issues relating to economic relations and pending bilateral agreements between the two countries.”

According to a communication from the seat of government, Flagstaff House, Mahama will also discuss “peace and security issues on the African continent, Migration and Ghana's position on the UN Security Council reforms.”

On Friday, the President will perform a flag raising ceremony to commemorate the Ghana Day at the ongoing Milan Expo 2015, during which the Ghana Pavilion at the Expo will also host a Business Forum. He will also hold meetings with a number of Italian businesses with interest in Ghana.

Ghana has very good diplomatic and economic relations with Italy. With over 118 Italian companies working in Ghana, Italy is ranked the 10th in terms of foreign projects registered in Ghana as at March this year.

Ghana's export to Italy, however, reached almost GH¢2.2billion in 2012, while imports from Italy amounted to GH¢500million. Majority of Ghana's exports to Italy were petroleum products.

President Mahama who returns home on Saturday, will be accompanied by the Minister for Trade & Industry Ekwow Spio Garbrah, Minister for Food & Agriculture Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, and the Secretary to the President Ambassador Kwesi Quartey.