British envoy bids President Akufo-Addo farewell
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said Ghana is observing, with keen interest, the outcome of the ongoing negotiations for Great Britain to exit (Brexit) from the European Union (EU).
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That, he said, was due to the likely consequences of Brexit on Ghana’s trade policies.
“It is important for us because our economic relations are heavily centred there (Europe). So the way in which it will be configured is going to be of direct relevance for us.
We hope the negotiations go well,” he said.
Towards that end, he said, it was the wish of the government that the exit negotiations, which began last Monday, would have an amicable outcome.
President Akufo-Addo was interacting with the outgoing British High Commissioner in Accra, Mr Jon Benjamin, when the envoy paid a farewell call on him at the Flagstaff House yesterday.
The President underscored the need for the “divorce” proceedings between Britain and the EU to be equitable, equable and amicable to allow both parties to walk away from the “marriage” satisfied.
Great Britain, in a referendum on June 23, 2016, took a decision to exit the EU.
The then Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced his resignation on the day he lost the referendum.
His decision paved the way for Theresa May who was Home Secretary, to take over as Britain’s Prime Minister.
Britain is expected to leave the union completely in March 2019.
Jon Benjamin commended
President Akufo-Addo commended the outgoing British High Commissioner for his clear interest in the country’s welfare, speaking on matters of national importance and broadening dialogue in the country.
“It is going to be difficult for us to forget Jon Benjamin,” he said, and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The President said Mr Benjamin helped to deepen Ghana’s relations with Britain.
Mr Benjamin’s remarks
For his part, Mr Benjamin said he was sad that his tenure in Ghana had come to an end, adding that he had travelled extensively in the country and learnt a lot about the people and the Ghanaian culture.
“It is an experience we will treasure,” he said, and indicated that he would have fond memories of Ghana and hold the country high wherever he went.
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