ACCRA, Ghana, 11th November: President John Dramani Mahama has proposed that the next session of the Ghana-Nigeria Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation be held in the first quarter of 2028 to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said he had instructed Ghana’s High Commissioner in Abuja to engage Nigerian Foreign Ministry officials to facilitate the proposed meeting.
President Mahama made the announcement during the presentation of Letters of Credence by 11 newly accredited diplomatic envoys at the Presidency, where he welcomed Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Shehu Ilu Barde.
He described Ghana and Nigeria as countries bound by deep historical, cultural, political and economic ties, stressing the need to preserve and strengthen the longstanding relationship.
The President underscored the importance of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which was established in 1988, as an important platform for advancing bilateral engagement.
He also called for enhanced trade and investment between the two countries within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Mahama further assured the Nigerian High Commissioner that concerns surrounding Nigeria’s property at 19/21 Julius Nyerere Street in Northridge, Accra, are receiving the necessary attention from the relevant authorities in both countries.
He expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
“I wish to assure you, High Commissioner, that the matter concerning your property at 19/21 Julius Nyerere Street at Northridge Accra is receiving the necessary attention through the appropriate authorities of both our countries to lead to an amicable resolution,” he said.
President Mahama expressed confidence that High Commissioner Shehu Ilu Barde’s diplomatic experience would contribute to strengthening relations between the two West African neighbours.
He also wished Nigeria well ahead of its upcoming presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening relations with South Africa, another key African partner.
Welcoming South Africa’s High Commissioner, Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe, he congratulated the country on the successful conclusion of its G20 presidency and its efforts to advance Africa’s priorities on the international stage.
He acknowledged that the third session of the Ghana-South Africa Bi-National Commission had been postponed because of prevailing challenges affecting people-to-people relations.
However, he said Ghana remained committed to strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW 👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
