8th October, 2011
President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that Nigeria and Ghana will continue to strengthen economic and trade relations for the benefit of the African continent and called on citizens and investors in both countries to explore and maximise the relationship.
President Jonathan spoke at the State Banquet hosted in his honour by President John Evans Atta-Mills at the State House, Accra, Ghana shortly after his arrival in the country’s state capital to conclude his three-nation working visits to Rwanda, Ethiopia and Ghana.
President Jonathan described the long standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana as historical and observed that both countries needed to do more in view of their key roles in advancing the course of the sub- regional body- ECOWAS.
He also commended Ghana for being supportive and visible to the programmes of the African Union and Commonwealth.
“Nigeria and Ghana have a lot to do together and have been playing key roles as members of ECOWAS, the cooperation between both countries will move the continent forward,†Jonathan stated.
He expressed hope of Africa becoming the hub of international market like Dubai in the nearest future because of her enormous economic and trade windows.
President Jonathan said his visit was to cement the existing cordial relationship between both countries as well as strengthen the ties.
He therefore urged Ghanaian businessmen and investors to take advantage and “massively invest†in Nigeria.
He extolled the virtues of one of Ghana’s founding fathers, the late Kwame Nkrumah for his resilience in the struggle for Africa’s independence which saw Ghana attain independence early.
President Attah-Mills, who received him on arrival at the airport earlier, thanked President Jonathan for honouring his invitation to attend the 50th Golden Jubilee Graduation ceremony of the Ghana Institute for Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
He said the Honorary doctoral award was given to President Jonathan in recognition of his hard work and unflinching commitment to the development of the educational sector.
He said the visit will also afford him the opportunity to “compare notes†on common issues affecting both countries and the continent as well.
Attah- Mills praised President Jonathan for fulfilling his promise to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria and said it has sent the “right signal to the world that Africa is ready to develop democracy†and assured the President that Ghana will also organise free and fair elections next year.