Accra: The High Commissioner-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Shehu Ilu Barde, recently presented copies of his Open Letters to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra. The event marked a reaffirmation of the two nations' commitment to bolstering their bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

According to African Press Organization, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized the unique historical bond between Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting their shared values and regional solidarity. He stressed the importance of promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the broader African continent. The minister underscored the need to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly by removing trade barriers to facilitate the free movement of goods and services, with a vision to significantly increase trade volumes between the two countries.

The discussions also touched upon the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in enhancing intra-African trade. Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa called for closer collaboration to leverage the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, noting that enhanced cross-border trade between the largest economies in West Africa would benefit both nations and contribute to Africa's economic integration agenda.

In pursuit of regional economic integration, the Minister urged Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states to intensify efforts towards implementing the proposed ECOWAS single currency, the ECO. He highlighted that its introduction would strengthen economic integration, facilitate cross-border transactions, reduce trade costs, and further promote commerce within the sub-region.

H.E. Shehu Ilu Barde commended the enduring and fraternal relations between Ghana and Nigeria, referring to the countries as strategic partners vital to promoting peace, security, and development within ECOWAS. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana in trade, investment, and regional cooperation, pledging to work closely with the Ghanaian government to build on the strong foundations of cooperation for mutual benefit.