President Ruto lauds Akufo-Addo, talks bilateral relations during State Visit
Kenyan President William Ruto, currently on a State Visit to Ghana, has lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo for his recent appointment as the African Union Champion for the establishment of key financial institutions.
These institutions encompass the African Central Bank, the African International Monetary Fund, the African Investment Bank, and the Pan-African Stock Exchange.
President Ruto emphasized that the creation of these financial entities has long been central to the African integration agenda, citing foundational agreements like the Abuja Treaty of 1991 and Article 19 of the African Constitutive Act of 2000, which are integral parts of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He highlighted the crucial role these institutions would play in mobilizing global resources and bolstering Africa’s financial sector.
Speaking during a press conference at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, President Ruto touched on the evolving nature of bilateral relations between Kenya and Ghana. He revealed that discussions have been held to elevate the existing Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) to a Binational Commission, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The inaugural session of the Binational Commission is anticipated to further solidify the friendship between the two countries, deepen bilateral relations, and align with the goals of African economic integration.
Trade relations between Kenya and Ghana were also a focal point of the discussions. President Ruto shared statistics indicating that in 2022, Kenya exported goods worth $10.4 million to Ghana and imported goods valued at $4.8 million.
Both leaders acknowledged the untapped potential for further enhancing trade, particularly in light of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Furthermore, President Ruto expressed Kenya’s appreciation for Ghana’s efforts in combating terrorism and addressing governance challenges in the Sahel and West Africa region through initiatives like the Accra Initiative and ECOWAS. He sought continued collaboration between the two nations to ensure peace and security in Africa and globally.
Concluding his remarks, President Ruto thanked President Akufo-Addo for Ghana’s support for Kenya’s candidature for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the 2025-2028 term.
In return, he pledged Kenya’s support for Ghana’s nomination of Hon Shirley Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth for 2024-2029.
President Ruto views his State Visit to Ghana as a prime opportunity for enhanced collaboration between Kenya and Ghana.
