Ghana will collaborate with Liberia to enhance cocoa production through a partnership led by the Ghana Cocoa Board. President Mahama emphasized the shared history and ties between the two nations and stressed the importance of combined efforts to address regional security challenges and improve trade connectivity.
Ghana, recognized as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is poised to collaborate with Liberia, enhancing cocoa production in the region. President John Dramani Mahama announced discussions with Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai to formalize a joint venture through Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), emphasizing the sharing of expertise and modern production methods to bolster bilateral agricultural initiatives.
During a credential ceremony with Mrs. Musu Jatu Ruhle, the Liberian Ambassador to Ghana, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s extensive research history in cocoa. He indicated plans to dispatch COCOBOD leaders to engage with their Liberian counterparts for initiating joint cocoa production efforts, underpinning the mutual benefits of this cooperation.
The President reflected on the historical ties between Ghana and Liberia, asserting that despite Liberia’s independence from colonial rule, their nations have shared significant struggles and sacrifices, including Ghanaian military support during the Liberian Civil War. He noted that many Liberians had found refuge in Ghana during the conflict, solidifying their close relationship as neighbors in the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).
Addressing regional stability, President Mahama remarked upon his recent visit to the Alliance of Sahel States, recognizing the urgency to address terrorism in the West African subregion. He called for collaborative efforts among ECOWAS countries to combat this growing threat, likening it to a cancer that could spread if not addressed collectively.
Moreover, President Mahama expressed aspirations for regional infrastructure, including the Lagos-Abidjan corridor highway, proposing its extension to Dakar to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also suggested establishing a ferry route from Monrovia to Lagos to enhance trade and movement within the subregion.
Ambassador Ruhle congratulated President Mahama on his electoral victory and commended the peaceful conduct of the election, conveying the Liberian President’s eagerness to work collaboratively with Ghana’s government.
In summary, Ghana is set to engage in a collaborative cocoa production initiative with Liberia, leveraging its agricultural proficiency to enhance regional ties. This partnership aims to improve cocoa cultivation methodologies while also fostering stronger relationships based on shared histories and current challenges, particularly in terms of regional security and trade facilitation.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
