Nigerian President Goodluck E. Jonathan has stated that Nigeria and Ghana will continue to strengthen economic and trade relations for the benefit of the African continent, calling on citizens and investors in both countries to explore and maximize the relationship.
President Jonathan spoke at the State Banquet hosted in his honor by President John Evans Atta-Mills at the State House, Accra, Ghana, shortly after his arrival to the country’s state capital to conclude his three nation working visits to Rwanda, Ethiopia and Ghana.
President Jonathan described the long standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana as historical and observed that both countries needed to do more in view of their key roles in advancing the course of the sub- regional body, ECOWAS. He also commended Ghana for being supportive and visible to the programs of the African Union and Commonwealth.
“Nigeria and Ghana have lot to do together and have been playing key roles as members of ECOWAS, the cooperation between both countries will move the continent forward”, Jonathan stated.
He expressed hope of Africa becoming a hub of international markets like Dubai in the nearest future because of her enormous economic and trade windows.
President Jonathan said his visit was to cement the existing cordial relationship between both countries as well as to strengthen their bilateral ties. He therefore urged Ghanaian businessmen and investors to take seize the opportunity to “invest massively” in Nigeria.
He extolled the virtues 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 honorary 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”, and assured the President that Ghana will also organise free and fair elections next year.
President Jonathan also spoke on Saturday at the event of his conferment with an Honorary Doctor of Law degree by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, on the occasion of its golden jubilee anniversary.
President Jonathan said he remained committed to the emergence of an integral African continental space where everyone lives in dignity and benefits from fair trade and mutual solidarity, guided by shared principles.
President Jonathan noted that ensuring democratic governance was beyond electing officials into office, but also required good governance, accountability, probity and expertise in enterprise as necessary ingredients needed to deliver dividends of democracy.
President Jonathan spoke today after he was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Law degree by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration at its golden jubilee anniversary.
In a citation, the Rector of the Institute, Prof Yaw Agyeman Badu, described President Jonathan as an astute politician, visionary leader, distinguished scholar and a patron of peace whose achievements have been recognized by Africa and the international community.
President John Atta-Mills of Ghana, who witnessed the investiture ceremony, said President Jonathan deserved the award for his continuous commitment to pursue the development of the continent as reflected in his leadership of ECOWAS, stating that it was only proper for the continent to honor one of its own.
He said Ghana will continue to partner with Nigeria to explore more effective ways to address issues of insurgency that has become a threat to security in the continent.