Ablakwa pays working visit to Nigeria
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commenced a three-day working visit to Nigeria aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional matters.
Upon his arrival, Mr. Ablakwa was warmly welcomed by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. The two ministers held extensive discussions centered on key regional issues, particularly the ongoing tensions surrounding the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Mr. Ablakwa noted that their talks built on the diplomatic groundwork laid by President John Dramani Mahama during his recent visits to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, as well as his engagement with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We further deliberated on enhanced trade and job creation within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, Pan-African priority projects such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, the 1,028km Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway which aims to connect Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria,” he said.
The ministers also reviewed plans for the upcoming celebration of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, which will be launched in Accra later this month under the leadership of President Mahama.
Mr. Ablakwa underscored the deep bond between Ghana and Nigeria, expressing optimism about the continued collaboration between the two nations. “Our meeting also considered preparations for the ECOWAS@50 commemoration which will be launched in Ghana later this month by President Mahama,” he noted, adding, “We deeply cherish the outstanding relations between Ghana and Nigeria.”
His visit is expected to bolster regional unity and accelerate the implementation of joint development projects across West Africa.