Ghana, Italy commit to advancing economic ties
By Daniel NONOR, Jubilee House
Ghana and Italy have held discussions to further advance relations in sectors such as trade, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, ICT, financial services, water management, security, and environmental protection.
The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, during his official visit to Ghana last week, engaged in crucial discussions with Ghanaian officials on these subjects. Sergio Mattarella is the second Italian President to visit Ghana over the last three decades, with relations between the two countries dating back to 1957.
Prior to his arrival in Ghana on Friday, April 5, he had visited the Ivory Coast, where he engaged with authorities on various issues, especially on democracy and stability in Africa. Talks between the two countries centered on pressing issues such as piracy, terrorism, violent extremism, and illicit activities, which have become more pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years.
President Mattarella’s visit comes at a time when the region faces significant challenges to stability and development due to the proliferation of these threats.
In meetings with President Nana Akufo-Addo and other government officials at the Jubilee House, both leaders emphasized the need for collective efforts to address these complex issues effectively.
President Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated the call on global leaders to work assiduously to foster reforms in the United Nations Security Council.
He advised that the Council should be made more representative by factoring in the interests of developing countries in the era of multilateralism.
On climate change, he asserted the resilience of the country to continue to be vocal in its advocacy to reduce greenhouse emissions to the barest minimum. President Akufo-Addo underscored Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Italy and other international partners to tackle piracy, terrorism, and illicit trafficking. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in confronting these challenges, highlighting the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring peace and security in the region.
In response, President Mattarella expressed Italy’s recognition of the gravity of the situation and its determination to collaborate with the European Union and the West African Regional bloc, ECOWAS, to combat the challenge.
He described Ghana as a good example of democracy when some countries in West Africa seemed to be wavering in their belief in democracy.
President Mattarella recognized Ghana’s reforms in overcoming its recent economic crisis, especially the efforts to drive its economy towards a sound footing.
The discussions underscored the mutual commitment of both countries to address the pressing security challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa.
The visit served as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring other areas of interest for the mutual benefits of their peoples.
