Ghana and Nigeria have renewed their commitment to strengthening cross-border trade and deepening economic cooperation as both countries seek to advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two West African nations have agreed to work towards removing existing trade barriers and increasing bilateral trade volumes beyond the current 20 percent level.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the commitment when he received the letters of credence from Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Shehu Ilu Barde.
Mr Ablakwa stressed the need for Ghana, Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states to build confidence in the proposed ECO single currency, saying it could help promote trade, strengthen regional integration and make business transactions easier across the subregion.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also appealed to the Nigerian government through the High Commissioner-designate to investigate the circumstances surrounding alleged attacks on properties belonging to Ghanaian business mogul Sir Sam Jonah in Nigeria.
He urged both countries to continue protecting the interests of citizens and businesses operating across their borders to maintain the strong relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.
For his part, Shehu Ilu Barde expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian government and highlighted the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
He assured Mr Ablakwa that he would look into the concerns surrounding Mobus Properties, owned by Sir Sam Jonah, and work towards addressing the matter.
The renewed commitment comes as Ghana and Nigeria seek to strengthen economic ties and play a leading role in advancing regional trade under the AfCFTA framework.
