President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his administration's unwavering commitment to strengthening regional trade by ensuring that all barriers hindering the smooth transportation of goods between Ghana and Mali are removed.
This initiative, the president said, is crucial for fostering economic growth and enhancing bilateral relations between the two West African nations.
The president made this declaration during a press briefing after a meeting with Mali's Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, in Bamako on Saturday, March 8.
The discussions focused on streamlining trade procedures, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhancing cooperation between the two countries’ transport and customs agencies.
President Mahama highlighted the vital role that long-distance truck drivers play in the economies of both nations.
These drivers transport goods such as foodstuffs, manufactured products, and raw materials from Ghanaian ports to Mali and vice versa.
He acknowledged the existing challenges faced by these transporters, including cumbersome customs procedures, roadblocks, delays at border crossings, and unofficial fees imposed along the route.
“A lot of long-distance drivers, both Malian and Ghanaians, convey goods from our ports to Mali and transport goods from Mali back to our ports for export.
“And so we discussed how we can remove the challenges so that it is easy for these drivers who are involved in the transit of goods to be able to do their work without any problems.”
Ghana and Mali have maintained strong trade relations for decades, with Ghana serving as a key entry point for Malian goods destined for international markets.
President Mahama's visit to Mali was part of his broader 'Good Neighbourliness' tour, aimed at reinforcing diplomatic and economic relations with Ghana's neighboring countries.
In addition to Mali, he is scheduled to visit Niger and Burkina Faso, both having withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the AES bloc.
-Citinewsroom
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