President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and Gabon to combat piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, saying closer collaboration is essential to protecting the region’s marine resources and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during bilateral talks with Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the two countries, as maritime nations, share a common responsibility to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea and harness the potential of the blue economy.
He stressed that enhanced cooperation in maritime security would help address growing challenges, including piracy and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while protecting the marine ecosystem for future generations.
“As maritime nations bordering the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana and Gabon have a shared interest in promoting maritime security, combating piracy and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, protecting the marine ecosystem and advancing the blue economy as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth,” President Mahama said.
The President noted that stronger collaboration between the two countries would contribute to regional stability and create new opportunities for economic development through sustainable management of marine resources.
Beyond maritime security, President Mahama highlighted climate change as another critical area for strategic cooperation between Ghana and Gabon. He said Gabon’s internationally recognised leadership in forest conservation, coupled with Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development, provides a strong foundation for partnership in biodiversity conservation, carbon markets, renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable forest management.
“Climate change presents another important area for strategic collaboration. Gabon’s internationally recognised leadership in forest conservation and Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development provide a firm basis for closer cooperation in biodiversity conservation, carbon markets, renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable forest management and advocacy for increased climate financing for Africa,” he stated.
President Mahama also called for deeper collaboration between public institutions in both countries through regular policy consultations, technical exchanges, capacity-building initiatives and the sharing of best practices.
According to him, such cooperation would strengthen institutional effectiveness and support the implementation of the development priorities of both nations.
He expressed confidence that the bilateral discussions would open new avenues for cooperation and further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Ghana and Gabon, positioning both countries as key partners in advancing regional integration, sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.
