China To Fund Construction of Malaria Research Center in Accra, Ghana
Ghana's government recently signed a $7.28 million contract with China for the construction of a 100-bed hospital that will include a malaria research center in the Teshie community in the capital city of Accra, the Daily Graphic reports.
According to Jackson Abankwa, head of the Capital Investment Management Unit at Ghana's Ministry of Health, the Geo-Engineering Corporation of China entered the agreement upon the request of the Ghanaian government. Abankwa said that China will provide financial support for the project's design and construction, materials and equipment, site clearance, technical experts, and infrastructure and equipment installation. Ghana's government will provide land for the site; demolish existing structures; and provide utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Ghana also will allow materials and equipment needed for the project to be imported without duty taxes.
Hu Yujie, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese embassy in Ghana, said the partnership is part of a commitment made by Chinese President Hu Jintao to Africa. He added that a medical team from China will travel to Ghana occassionally to assist the hospital in delivering services and provide Ghanaian and Chinese traditional herbal medicine. Ghanaian Health Minister Courage Quashigah also praised the Chinese government for sponsoring Ghanaian medical workers to take courses in China (Turkson/Atakpa, Daily Graphic, 1/7).
