Akufo-Addo to boost relationship with Nigeria

Ghana’s President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday paid homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Akufo-Addo, who was in Nigeria for the Future of Africa Awards held in Lagos, said his visit to the Villa gave him opportunity to wish Buhari happy birthday.

Ghana’s President-elect spoke with State House correspondents after meeting President Buhari.

He said: “I came on a private visit to Lagos on Sunday to participate in the Future of Africa Awards and I thought it is proper that I take that opportunity to come to Abuja to pay my respect to the President.

“I have been elected but I have not taken the oath of office. That will be taking place on January 7. But in the meantime, I have come to introduce myself to President Buhari so that we begin to know each other.

“The relationship between our two countries is so important for our countries, West Africa and Africa. I think those of us who are in positions of leadership need to know each other and have an understanding and address the main concerns of our populations.

“I had the opportunity to say a belated happy birthday to the President. His birthday is an important day in my life because that day is my late mother’s birthday.

“We had a very good exchange. We are determined to grow the relationship between our two countries.”

In a related development, the President-elect of Ghana, on Monday said he will improve on the existing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana during his tenure as president.

Akufo-Addo spoke at the Imo Day of Thanksgiving held in Owerri. According to him, Nigeria/Ghana relationship should set a good example for the rest of West Africa.

“I am determined, following the mandate my people have conferred on me to do everything to establish good relations with the leadership of this great country, Nigeria because together we can work for the construction of a better Africa,” he said.

Akufo-Addo said that Ghanaians valued their relationship with Nigeria which dated back to decades, stressing that the stronger the relationship, the better for the rest of Africa.

He praised the leadership spirit of his host, Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, and called on the people to give him maximum support.