Ghana, Nigeria Commit to Strengthen Trade, ECOWAS Integration and AfCFTA Cooperation
Ghana and Nigeria have committed to deepen economic cooperation and regional integration, with a focus on removing trade barriers, maximising AfCFTA opportunities, and advancing the proposed ECOWAS single currency.
The commitment was made when the High Commissioner-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ghana, H.E. Shehu Ilu Barde, presented copies of his Open Letters to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
Hon. Ablakwa noted that Ghana and Nigeria share a unique historical bond anchored on common values, regional solidarity, and a shared commitment to promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity within the ECOWAS sub-region and across the African continent.
He underscored the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly through the removal of trade barriers to facilitate the free movement of goods and services.
He also expressed optimism that both countries would work together to increase trade volumes well beyond the current level.
The Minister also highlighted the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area in transforming intra-African trade.
He called for closer collaboration between Accra and Abuja to maximise the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, stressing that enhanced cross-border trade between the two largest economies in West Africa would not only benefit their peoples but also contribute significantly to Africa’s broader economic integration agenda.
In that regard, Hon. Ablakwa encouraged the Government of Nigeria, together with other Member States of ECOWAS, to intensify efforts towards the successful implementation of the proposed ECOWAS single currency, the ECO.
He said its introduction would strengthen regional economic integration, facilitate cross-border transactions, reduce trade costs and further promote commerce within the sub-region.
For his part, H.E. Shehu Ilu Barde commended the enduring and fraternal relations between Ghana and Nigeria. He described the two countries as strategic partners whose cooperation continues to play a vital role in promoting peace, security, and development within the ECOWAS region.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana across trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
He pledged to work closely with the Government of Ghana to build on the existing strong foundations of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.
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