President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening economic integration across Africa, saying stronger cooperation between West and Central African countries can unlock greater opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and shared prosperity.
Speaking at a state dinner in honour of the President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at the Jubilee House in Accra, President Mahama praised Gabon’s leadership in environmental stewardship and forest conservation, describing it as an example Ghana deeply values.
He said Gabon’s achievements in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management provide a strong foundation for closer collaboration between the two countries.
“Ghana deeply values this example in the area of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management,” President Mahama stated.
The President noted that as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ghana remains firmly committed to advancing regional economic integration and expanding opportunities for African businesses and citizens.
He expressed confidence that stronger links between West and Central Africa would enhance commercial activities, attract investment and accelerate industrial development across the continent.
“We believe that stronger links between West and Central Africa can unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and shared prosperity,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that Ghana and Gabon share a common determination to expand commercial relations, promote innovation, exchange expertise in sustainable resource management and create more opportunities for their citizens.
According to him, these shared goals go beyond diplomatic declarations and are intended to deliver tangible benefits for ordinary people.
“Our shared resolve to expand commercial ties, promote trade and investment, foster innovation, share experiences in sustainable resource management and create greater opportunities for our people are not abstract ambitions,” he said.
“They are the building blocks of a partnership that will touch the lives of our people, open new doors, help shape a more confident Africa and speak directly to the aspirations of our youth.”
President Mahama added that state visits should not be judged solely by the agreements or memoranda of understanding signed, but also by their ability to strengthen friendship, build trust and deepen people-to-people relations.
“Visits such as yours are more than the agreements we sign or the memoranda of understanding. They represent an important moment to renew our friendship and brotherhood, demonstrate trust, open new pathways to cooperation and sustain people-to-people connections. Those are also the true measures of the strength of any bilateral relationship,” he said.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of celebrating the rich cultural heritage of both Ghana and Gabon, saying such cultural exchanges strengthen diplomatic relations and reinforce African unity.
