By Lawrence Odoom
President John Dramani Mahama has successfully concluded a one-day working visit to Côte d’Ivoire, where he engaged in high-level bilateral discussions with President Alassane Ouattara. This diplomatic endeavor aimed to fortify Ghana’s ties with its ECOWAS neighbors, with a particular focus on pivotal regional issues.
The two leaders delved into the intricacies of security in the Sahel region, acknowledging the imperative need for collaborative efforts to combat the menace of terrorism and criminality.
President Ouattara lauded President Mahama’s diplomatic prowess in engaging the Alliance of Sahel States, emphasizing the potential of such dialogue to facilitate the reintegration of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into the ECOWAS fold.
Furthermore, the two presidents underscored the paramount importance of their nations’ dominance in the global cocoa market, collectively accounting for approximately 80% of worldwide production. They explored innovative strategies to enhance pricing mechanisms and promote value addition, thereby optimizing the benefits accruing to cocoa farmers and the national economies.
Another critical issue that garnered significant attention was the environmental degradation wrought by illegal mining, which has severely impacted water bodies shared by both countries. The leaders acknowledged the urgent need for strengthened cross-border collaboration to tackle this menace and protect vital water resources.
President Mahama’s visit marks a significant strides in Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation and economic growth, serving to reinforce diplomatic relations between the two West African nations. President Mahama returns to Ghana, the stage is set for the implementation of the agreements and strategies forged during this pivotal bilateral meeting.
