Ghana is going into elections next year and with Nigeria and Ivory Coast coming out of elections many believe it is just the right moment for these leaders to meet and share ideas on how to keep the region from electoral related violence, deepen democracy and also strengthen trade as well.

Ouattara’s visit

During his visit to Ghana- the first since his inauguration in May, Ivorian President Alassane Dramane Ouattara expressed appreciation to Ghana’s president and the people of Ghana for their role in bringing peace to Cote d’Ivoire after its post-election crisis.

He praised President Mills for opting for dialogue during the peace process, “therefore La Cote d’Ivoire owned a lot of debt of gratitude to Ghana,” and also commended Ghana for hosting many Ivorians during the crisis stating: “We are very grateful for your kind reception.”

He appealed to Ivorians who fled Cote d’Ivoire to Ghana and other West African countries to return home to join the process of national reconstruction and rebuilding, adding, “The situation back at home is being normalised”.

President Ouattara and his host witnessed the signing of a tripartite agreement among La Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for the safe return of Ivorian refugees in Ghana.

President Mills expressed appreciation to President Ouattara for the visit and observed that both countries have strong relations which include ethnic and blood ties stating: “We would endeavour to enhance our relationship.

“The presence of President Ouattara and the large delegation is evidence of our determination that our relationship is put on higher pedestals.”

President Mills praised President Ouattara on efforts being made to foster national reconciliation and restore La Cote d’Ivoire to its former glory.

He assured La Cote d’Ivoire of Ghana’s support in the rebuilding exercise, adding, efforts of Ivorian President Ouattarra is evidence of what hard work, sacrifice and determination can achieve for the people.

Jonathan’s visit

The Nigerian president and his Ghanaian counterpart underscored the need for free trade to be enhanced within the West African Sub-region.

They bemoaned the fact that although the ECOWAS protocol on free trade and movement of people is in force its adherence by member countries lives much to be desired.

Presidents John Mills and Goodluck Jonathan indicated that there is greater collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria to ensure that enhancing free trade within West Africa becomes a reality.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that his visit to the country was most beneficial looking at the outcome of the issues he discussed with President Mills.

He explained that there is a renewed commitment between the two countries to push the agenda of ECOWAS forward as it has been in the past.