President John Mahama in a chat with King Mswati III during his visit
THE KING of Eswatini, King Mswati III, has called for enhanced trade between Ghana and other African countries during his first-ever visit to Ghana, stating that this cooperation is crucial in strengthening economic ties between African nations.
Speaking during his visit to the Jubilee House, King Mswati III stated that his historic visit marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Ghana and Eswatini. He added that African leaders must work together to enhance trade and economic ties, so the continent can unlock its full potential and achieve sustainable development.
“We are very happy to be here from the Kingdom of Eswatini to strengthen cooperation and ties between our two countries. We look forward to meeting the people of Ghana and exchanging a lot of information, as we have a lot in common, especially when it comes to culture, lifestyles, and more. We can share a lot of ideas and develop new ones,” he said.
King Mswati III added that trade is a key area of focus, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) efforts to promote intra-African trade, indicating that, unfortunately, trade within Africa is currently very limited.
“It’s high time we turned this situation around and increased trade among African countries. We are here to explore opportunities and see how we can enhance trade between our nations. Infrastructure development is crucial for trade, and it’s an area that requires attention in our development as a continent,” he stated.
President John Mahama, on his part, expressed the country’s willingness to cooperate with Eswatini in the areas of trade and commerce, stating that “Ghana is much ready to cooperate with Eswatini to explore the various opportunities that may come up between the two countries.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries was signed during this meeting by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Senator Pholile Shakantu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Eswatini.
King Mswati III is currently in Kumasi as a distinguished guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The itinerary in the Asante capital includes official visits to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and a tour of the historic Manhyia Palace Museum.
King Mswati III is also scheduled to address the National House of Chiefs and attend a grand durbar of chiefs organised in his honour at Manhyia Palace. Additionally, a royal banquet would be held at the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, in Kumasi on Friday evening.
On Saturday, the final day of the visit, King Mswati III will join Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at a ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) before departing from Ghana.
King Mswati III’s visit to Kumasi is expected to significantly deepen the historical and cultural links between the Asante Kingdom and the southern African nation.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke