Ghana, Ethiopia to cooperate in fight against terrorism
Ghana and Ethiopia have resolved to cooperate to deal with any possible threats of terrorism in their respective countries.
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At a joint news briefing with the Ethiopian Premier at the Golden Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport last Saturday moments before the Prime Minister departed for Addis Ababa, President Mahama said the two leaders discussed many important bilateral issues and a reverse visit would move the decisions to another level.
Accra discussions
The discussions in Accra centred on integration, agriculture, energy and other development issues as well as security, especially the fight against terrorism.
During the three-day state visit to Ghana, the Ethiopian prime minister visited the Akosombo Dam, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Cocoa Touton Processing Company in Tema.
President Mahama touched on the threat posed by terrorism to nations of the world.
Against the background that Ghana and Ethiopia are close to countries that have suffered terrorist attacks, President Mahama stressed the need for the two countries to cooperate to ward off activities of extremists.
Agriculture
On agriculture, President Mahama said while Ghana was a leading cocoa producing country, Ethiopia was also one of the highest coffee producing countries.
A partnership would, therefore, yield dividends for both countries.
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President Mahama said Ethiopia's expertise in leather production was one area Ghana would want to tap into for the benefit of the country's leather industry.
Integration
Touching on African integration, President Mahama said the implementation of the continental free trade was non-negotiable and added that the implementation would facilitate intra-African trade.
So far, the Southern African Development and East African communities are almost through with preparatory works and could begin the implementation in July this year.
The Economic Community of West African States would follow suit later in the year.
President Mahama expressed the hope that the North African community would also launch themselves into the free trade.
He also said he would pay a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia to firm up some of the decisions reached during Mr Hailemariam Desalyn’s visit.
Mining sector
Prime Minister Desalyn mentioned Ghana's progress in the mining sector and said Ethiopia would strengthen relations with Ghana in the sector.
He thanked the President and Ghanaians for the warm reception accorded him, his wife and the other members of his delegation during the visit to Ghana.