One of the most important goals of the Hungary Helps Programme is to promote the maintenance of stability and the protection of local Christians also in West Africa, and therefore as the second station of his visit to the region, after Burkina Faso Tristan Azbej, Minister of State for Helping Persecuted Christians and the Implementation of the Hungary Helps Programme at the Prime Minister’s Office also paid a visit to Ghana.

During his trip to Ghana, Mr Azbej met with Vice President of Ghana Mahamudu Bawumia, Education Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Deputy Prime Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Paul Esseien, and then had talks in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the talks, the Ghanaian party introduced its programmes implemented in the country’s Northern regions with a view to holding back potential migrants and reintegrating apprehended migrants. Mr Azbej expressed his appreciation to his Ghanaian partners for their efforts made to curb migration, and pledged that Hungary would explore the possibility of supporting these programmes. He also paid a visit to the Salesian Order’s centre in Ashaiman and the Don Bosco Child Protection Centre which provides temporary shelter and rehabilitation for orphans and children in difficult circumstances aged between 6 and 17 years. With the Salesian leadership Mr Azbej reviewed the possibilities of cooperation in the future.

Evaluating his visit, Mr Azbej said Ghana is an exemplary country in West Africa from the viewpoint of democracy, social progress, peace and religious tolerance whose role in maintaining the region’s stability could increase significantly in the near future. Based on the talks, it is also clear that the government of Ghana and the local Christian community agree with the fundamental principle of the Hungary Helps Programme which is about taking help where there are problems, instead of bringing problems here, thereby making it possible for people to find advancement and happiness in their native land.

(MTI)