Abidjan: President John Dramani Mahama has returned home after a day's working visit with his Ivorian counterpart, President Alassane Ouattara, in Abidjan. The visit aimed to strengthen Ghana's relations with its ECOWAS neighbors and focused on pressing regional issues.
According to Ghana News Agency, the discussions between the two leaders included regional security, particularly the Alliance of Sahel States, improving cocoa production, and combating illegal mining. President Ouattara praised President Mahama for initiating dialogue with the Sahel states, emphasizing its importance for reconciling the three Sahelian countries with ECOWAS.
The leaders acknowledged their countries' significant roles in the global cocoa market, contributing around 80 percent of worldwide production. They deliberated on strategies to enhance global pricing and add value in the cocoa sector. Additionally, both presidents recognized the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, with many waterways and tributaries crossing both nations.
President Mahama's delegation comprised Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President; Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to the President and Presidential Advisor; Mrs. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Presidential Legal Advisor; and Colonel Larry Gbevlo Lartey, Presidential Envoy for the Alliance for Sahel States.
