Ghana, Nigeria commit to stronger trade cooperation under AfCFTA

Ghana and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This commitment was made during a meeting between Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Nigeria's High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Shehu ILU Barde, after the envoy presented his letters of credence. The two nations also pledged to remove trade barriers to increase bilateral trade volumes and unlock new opportunities for businesses operating across their borders.

Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of closer economic collaboration and urged both governments to eliminate obstacles impeding trade and investment. He called on Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states to build confidence in the proposed ECO single currency, describing it as a key instrument for facilitating trade, reducing transaction costs, and deepening regional economic integration. Mr. Ablakwa also appealed to the High Commissioner-designate to investigate alleged attacks on properties belonging to Ghanaian business mogul Sir Sam Jonah in Nigeria. Mr. Barde expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for the warm reception and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.