Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-04 06:21:21
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the visiting Kenyan President, William Ruto, oversaw the signing of several agreements to strengthen the bond of cooperation between Ghana and Kenya. The signing took place at the Jubilee House in Accra, where President Akufo-Addo welcomed President Ruto on a three-day state visit. Eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed, focusing on education, tourism, diplomacy, and defense cooperation, as well as investment promotion, manufacturing, industry, and governance.
The agreements signed at the Ghana-Kenya business forum held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra aimed to enhance investment opportunities, domestic and foreign, in both countries. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Kenya, rooted in their shared struggle for independence from colonialism. The two countries have collaborated on issues such as peacekeeping, regional integration, and sustainable development at regional and international levels.
Trade and economic ties between Ghana and Kenya have been steadily growing, with cultural exchanges fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Both countries have supported each other at various international platforms, advocating for common positions on peace, security, climate change, and sustainable development. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the mutual respect, cooperation, and shared commitment to advancing the interests of their nations and the African continent as a whole.
The discussions between President Akufo-Addo and President Ruto focused on investment opportunities, domestic and foreign, and the need for cooperation and partnership in development efforts. President Ruto mentioned plans to elevate the mechanism for conducting bilateral relations from a joint commission for cooperation to a bi-national commission, to enhance interaction and collaboration between Kenya and Ghana.
The establishment of the bi-national commission is seen as a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two countries, aimed at reaffirming friendship, deepening bilateral ties, and promoting African economic integration. President Ruto acknowledged the role of Ghana in inspiring the Pan African independent movement and leading economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The free movement of people between Ghana and Kenya has contributed to trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries. President Ruto noted the growth in bilateral trade, with Kenya’s imports to Ghana valued at $10.4 million in 2022, while Ghana’s imports to Kenya were valued at $4.8 million. The visit of President Ruto to Ghana marks a step towards strengthening the cooperation and partnership between the two countries in various sectors for mutual benefit and African economic integration.
Overall, the visit and agreements signed between Ghana and Kenya signify a commitment to deepening cooperation, enhancing economic ties, and promoting mutual development for the benefit of both countries and the African continent as a whole.
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