On working visit to Douala: Turkish ambassador, stakeholders discuss boosting economic ties.

He held talks with administrative, municipal authorities and other economic actors. 

Among them were; the governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua; the President of the Littoral Regional Council, Banlog Polycarp; the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, for Wouri, Sylac Marie Mvogo; the City Mayor of Douala, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine and officials of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Crafts, CCIMA.

Governor Ivaha Diboua briefed the diplomat on the strategic importance of Douala in the economy of Cameroon. 

The Littoral Regional Council President on his part, presented development projects needing funding. Banlog Polycarp told the diplomat that the Council has projects in the domain of infrastructure and health in need of funding.

The President in charge of Mining and Construction sectors at CCIMA, Daniel Tala Kuate, led the delegation of economic actors who discussed with the visiting diplomat.

Ambassador Volkan said he visited Douala to engage Turkish economic actors to contribute to strengthening Cameroon’s economy.

At the Douala City Council, the City Mayor thanked Turkiye for its support in the realisation of certain projects. Some of the projects, Dr Mbassa Ndine stated, were realised through the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination.

One of such projects is an amusement park located at the heart of Bonanjo. 

Constructed and equipped with the support of Tukiye, the first phase of the facility was inaugurated yesterday.

Among the officials who also held talks with the Turkish diplomat, were the Paramount ruler of the Bafaw and Nfon of Kumba, Senator Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko. The traditional is also a businessman. 

Ambassador Volkan, it should be said, submitted his credentials to the Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, on January 8 this year.

Ambassador Volkan also used the visit Douala to inaugurate the first phase of the Turkiye-Cameroon Friendship Park. The significant project, meant to transform the economic capital city, officials said, is testament to the enduring diplomatic relationship between both countries. 

The project is executed by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency, TİKA, and the Douala City Council. The Douala City Mayor said the project is a gift from a valued development partner to fulfill the growing demand for social amenities and recreational spaces in Douala.

The Director of Planning at the Douala City Council, Ebongue Ngoh Jean-Daniel Cyrille, said the Turkish government is fully funding the project. 

Upon completion, it will feature an amusement park, parking areas, shops, a snack bar, a swimming pool, and a conference facility for social gatherings.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3362 of Friday February 7, 2025