Nigeria, Ghana To Strengthen Economic Ties

PRESIDENT Jonathan yesterday said that Nigeria and Ghana would continue to strengtheneconomic and trade relations for the benefit of the African continent, calling on citizens and investors in both countries to explore and maximise the relationship.Jonathan, who spoke at the State Banquet hosted in his honour by President John Evans Atta-Mills at the State House, Accra, described the relationship between both countries as 'historical and long standing', stating that both countries needed to do more in view of their key roles in advancing the course of the sub- regional body ' ECOWAS.The president, who is in Ghana as part of his three-nation working visit to Rwanda and Ethiopia, also commended the West African country for being supportive to the programmes of the African Union and Commonwealth.According to him, 'Nigeria and Ghana have a lot to do together and have been playing key roles as members of the ECOWAS; the cooperation between both countries will move the continent forward.'He expressed the hope that Africa would, like Dubai, become the international market hub in the nearest future because of her enormous economic and trade windows.President Jonathan said his visit was to cement the existing cordial relationship of 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 virtue 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 honourary 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.
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