The Presidents of Ghana and Cape Verde, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Jorge Fonseca
The Presidents of Ghana and Cape Verde, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Jorge Fonseca respectively have resolved to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
That, according to President Akufo-Addo, is because “we have not done much as we should have in liberalizing and promoting trade amongst member countries.”
He made this remark when he called on his Cape Verdean counterpart at the latters’ presidential palace in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Friday.
Decision
As a first step, Ghana has decided to deepen cooperation with that country in the areas of fisheries and tourism – considering how it (Cape Verde) is well advanced in the two sectors.
President Akufo-Addo decried the low levels of trade between the two countries – which was in the region of some $5 million in 2013 and less than $200,000 in 2016.
He thus stressed the need for the implementation of what he described as ‘deliberate measures’ to enhance trade and business collaborations between Ghana and Cape Verde.
Expectation
“We should also try to increase the volumes of trade between our two countries, as this would create job, as well as boost incomes for our two peoples. We should endeavour to establish direct flights between Accra and Praia to avoid going through Casablanca, in Morocco, for instance, before we can reach each other,” President Akufo-Addo underscored.
Furthermore, he told his counterpart, “We should also try to establish direct shipping lines, linking Accra to Praia, to facilitate trade between us.”
He emphasised the need to push for the sea link and eco marine initiatives to help link the two countries insisting, “We should, as rapidly as possible, establish a Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation to serve as the legal framework for addressing the trade and investment concerns of our two countries.
“During our respective tenures of office, it is my desire that Ghana and Cape Verde continually search for ways to co-operate. I have no doubt, that together, we can forge a new, strong partnership for cooperation between our two nations for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” he stated.
Commendation
President Akufo-Addo also commended his Cape Verdean counterpart for the strong leadership he has exhibited since assuming office in 2011.
“You inherited a challenging macroeconomic situation, but the proof of the turnaround of the Cape Verdean economy is evident in the projected growth rate for 2016. By encouraging private sector participation in the economy and improving the key macroeconomic indicators, your country’s growth rate more than doubled from 1.5% in 2015 to 4% in 2016,” he noted with appreciation.
He was of the firm belief that the establishment of a market economy and the development of Cape Verde’s tourism industry, amongst others, contributed to President Foseca obtaining 74% of valid votes in the October 2016 polls, describing it as “a clear testament of the confidence your people have in you. You are doing something right, Mr. President. Long may it continue!”
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent