Ghana, Nigeria Urged to Deepen Economic Ties and Push for Single ECOWAS Currency
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for Ghana and Nigeria to deepen economic cooperation by removing trade barriers and working together to advance the implementation of the proposed ECOWAS single currency, the ECO.
According to the Minister, stronger collaboration between the two countries, which are among West Africa’s largest economies, would boost trade, create new opportunities for businesses and accelerate regional economic integration.
Mr Ablakwa made the call when Nigeria’s High Commissioner designate to Ghana, H.E. Shehu Ilu Barde, presented copies of his Open Letters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
He said Ghana and Nigeria enjoy a longstanding relationship built on shared history, common values and a collective commitment to peace, stability and development across the ECOWAS sub-region and the African continent.
“We share a unique historical bond anchored on common values, regional solidarity and our commitment to promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity,” he noted.
Mr Ablakwa urged both countries to increase trade by removing obstacles that hinder the free movement of goods and services. He expressed confidence that Ghana and Nigeria could substantially expand their current trade volumes through closer cooperation.
The Minister also called for greater collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the agreement presents enormous opportunities to transform trade across the continent.
He noted that stronger commercial ties between Ghana and Nigeria would not only benefit businesses and citizens in both countries but also advance Africa’s wider economic integration agenda.
Mr Ablakwa further appealed to Nigeria and other member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work together to bring the proposed ECO currency into operation.
“The introduction of the ECO will strengthen regional economic integration, facilitate cross-border transactions, reduce trade costs and promote commerce within the sub-region,” he said.
Receiving the Open Letters, the Minister welcomed H.E. Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana and expressed the Government’s readiness to work closely with him to deepen the long-standing friendship between the two neighbouring countries.
For his part, H.E. Barde described Ghana and Nigeria as strategic partners whose cooperation remains essential to peace, security and development within the ECOWAS region.
He said Nigeria remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana in areas including trade, investment and regional cooperation.
“I will work closely with the Government of Ghana to build on the strong foundations of cooperation that already exist between our two countries for our mutual benefit,” he said.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
