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Ghana and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and accelerating regional integration, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.
The renewed commitment comes as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called for greater collaboration to remove trade barriers, expand cross-border commerce, and fast-track the implementation of the proposed ECOWAS single currency (ECO) to unlock new economic opportunities across West Africa.
Ghana Calls for Stronger Trade Cooperation
Speaking during the presentation of the letters of credence by Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, His Excellency Shehu ILU Barde, Ablakwa emphasised that closer economic cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria is essential to maximising the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
According to him, the two largest economies in West Africa must work together to eliminate obstacles that continue to limit regional trade and investment.
“Ghana and Nigeria must continue to work together to remove impediments to trade and deepen economic cooperation to fully realise the immense potential of the AfCFTA,” he said.
The minister noted that stronger collaboration would help increase intra-African trade, stimulate investment, and create greater opportunities for businesses operating across the subregion.
Ghana Pushes for ECOWAS Single Currency
Ablakwa also urged Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states to renew efforts towards implementing the long-awaited ECO single currency initiative.
He explained that a common regional currency would simplify cross-border transactions, reduce exchange rate challenges, and strengthen economic integration among West African countries.
According to him, the introduction of the ECO would improve trade efficiency and reinforce confidence in regional economic cooperation.
“The introduction of the ECO will inspire greater confidence in regional integration and make cross-border commerce more efficient for our people,” he stated.
The proposed single currency remains one of ECOWAS’ flagship initiatives aimed at promoting seamless trade, improving monetary cooperation, and enhancing regional economic resilience.
Ghana Seeks Protection for Investments in Nigeria
During the meeting, Ablakwa also raised concerns over reported attacks affecting properties belonging to Ghanaian businessman Sir Sam Jonah in Nigeria.
He appealed to the Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the protection of legitimate Ghanaian investments operating within the country.
According to the minister, safeguarding cross-border investments is vital to maintaining investor confidence and strengthening bilateral economic relations.
“We are confident that the relevant authorities will thoroughly investigate these developments and guarantee the safety of legitimate investments,” he said.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Bilateral Relations
Responding, Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate, Shehu ILU Barde, expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for its warm reception and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between both countries.
He described Ghana and Nigeria as strategic partners whose cooperation remains important to regional development and prosperity.
“The friendship between Ghana and Nigeria remains strong, and I am committed to deepening our cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the reported property dispute involving Mobus Properties, Barde assured the Ghanaian government that he would engage the relevant Nigerian authorities to establish the facts and ensure due process.
“I will take up the issues regarding Mobus Properties and ensure that the necessary investigations are undertaken in line with our laws,” he assured.
AfCFTA Remains Central to Regional Economic Growth
The discussions concluded with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing regional integration through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and broader ECOWAS initiatives.
Stakeholders believe that stronger cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria will play a significant role in expanding cross-border trade, improving trade facilitation, strengthening regional economic integration, and supporting sustainable economic growth across Africa.
As AfCFTA implementation gathers momentum, policymakers continue to emphasise the importance of removing regulatory barriers, improving trade infrastructure, and harmonising regional policies to enable businesses to benefit from Africa’s single market.
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