Ghana, Togo To Co-operate In Areas Of Development

Ghana and Togo will strengthen bilateral relations and co-operation in areas of mutual interest, following fruitful deliberations between the two countries at the just ended 3rd Session of the Ghana-Togo Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation.

The 3rd Session of the Commission, which was held in the Togolese capital, Lome, on December 7 and December 8, brought together experts from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the two countries.

A statement signed by Mr. Kingsley Karimu, Director of Africa and Regional Integration Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said the convening of the 3rd session followed discussions over the need to improve upon the existing cordial and warm relations between the two countries, which featured prominently during President John Evans Atta Mills’ visit to Lome in April and the reciprocal visit of President Faure Gnassingbe to Ghana in August.

Deliberations of the 3rd session centred on co-operation between the two countries in the areas of trade, economy and finance, agriculture, energy and mines, environment, water and health.

Other areas of co-operation deliberated upon by the experts were social welfare, culture, communication, technical and vocational education, security, justice, tourism, sports and legal framework.

The two-day session, which was characterised by opened and frank discussions also agreed to reactivate the Ghana-Togo Joint Border Demarcation Commission. Consequently, the two sides agreed to convene a meeting of the Border Commission in the first quarter of next year.

Addressing the Session, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Mohammad Mumuni observed that Ghana's internal peace, security and development remain inseparable from sub-regional peace and stability.

He noted that it was in the light of this that President Mills and his Togolese counterpart, underscored the need for the two countries to strengthen their bilateral co-operation during their recent exchange of official visits.

The Togolese Foreign Minister, Mr. Koffi Esaw, pledged the commitment of his country's officials towards a genuine and beneficial bilateral relations and co-operation.

The 3rd Session thus offered an opportunity for the two countries to re-examine ways of ensuring better and fruitful co-operation between Ghana and Togo.

Source: GNA