President Mahama’s Productive Visit to La Côte d’Ivoire

President John Mahama’s one-day visit to La Côte d’Ivoire facilitated discussions with President Alassane Ouattara on regional security, cocoa production issues, and environmental concerns related to illegal mining. The leaders sought to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation within the ECOWAS region.

President John Mahama recently concluded a one-day working visit to La Côte d’Ivoire, where he engaged in a bilateral meeting with President Alassane Ouattara. This visit aimed to strengthen Ghana’s relationships with its ECOWAS neighbors and address pressing regional concerns such as security, particularly in relation to the Alliance of Sahel States, alongside enhancing cocoa production and combating illegal mining.

During their discussions, President Ouattara praised Mr. Mahama for fostering dialogue with the Sahel states, a move expected to promote reconciliation among the three Sahelian countries within the regional bloc. Both leaders acknowledged their nations’ substantial role in the global cocoa market, which represents roughly 80% of global production, and deliberated on methods to improve market pricing and value addition in the cocoa industry.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the environmental repercussions stemming from illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, which have seriously harmed the waterways and natural resources shared by both countries. The collaboration between Ghana and La Côte d’Ivoire reflects a mutual commitment to addressing critical economic and environmental challenges.

In summary, President John Mahama’s working visit to La Côte d’Ivoire reinforced the importance of bilateral relations between the two nations. The discussions on regional security, cocoa production, and environmental protection underscore a collective effort to enhance cooperation within the West African region. Through dialogue and shared objectives, both leaders aim to navigate the challenges posed by illegal mining and elevate their countries’ contributions to global markets.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com