Kenya and Ghana have signed seven agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ghana, President William Ruto said the MoUs, including some signed by business associations from Kenya and Ghana, are aimed at facilitating trade and investment between the two nations.
He noted that the goal is to expand opportunities for business, the private sector and peoples of the two nations.
Other MoUs include cooperation in science and technology, tourism, education, governance and defence.
“During my discussions with President Nana Akufo-Addo, we have noted that these agreements are significant in the evolution of our diplomatic ties, which stand on warm and cordial, dynamic and impactful historic collaboration,” said Ruto
President Ruto commended Ghana’s decision to remove visa requirements for all Africans by the end of the year, a move aimed at enhancing the continent’s integration.
“This commitment aligns with one of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area to create a single market in the continent and to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication,” he said.
President Ruto pointed out that the free movement of people has contributed to growth in trade, investment and tourism between Kenya and Ghana.
“President Akufo-Addo and I are encouraged that under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, our two countries have taken bold measures to explore these opportunities,” he said.
Ruto also said the two nations are determined to collaborate in tackling internal conflicts, wars, terrorism and violent extremism, aiming to safeguard peace and stability and thus promote regional development.
“It has become clear in our discussions that we have to redouble our efforts to silence the guns in Africa as a vital condition for economic growth,” he stated.
The President said through the unity of African leadership, the continent stands a better chance of effectively implementing its climate action agenda.
The two leaders also discussed institutional reforms at the African Union aimed at making the continental organisation fit-for-purpose and for the effective implementation of Agenda 2063.
This includes the need to restructure the African Union organs, conclude the division of labour between the AU Commission Organs, Specialised Agencies and Regional Economic Communities, as well as the need to streamline the agenda of the Pan-African Parliament to cover strategic issues.
President Akufo-Addo committed to support Kenya’s candidature for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission 2025-2028.
At the same time, President Ruto assured Ghana of Kenya’s support for the candidature of Ms Shirley Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General for the period 2024-2029.
