Ghana/Nigeria risk being left behind if...

Koforidua (Eastern Region) - The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Chief Sam Okerechukwu, has said the two countries risk being left behind if they failed to exploit the current opportunity at integrating their economies to improve the living conditions of their peoples. "The two countries do not have a choice as to whether to integrate or not because the current globalisation drive demands that they co-operate to share their resources for the development of their countries. "We should do nothing to bring the clock of progress between the two countries back because we cannot fold hands and watch others progress", he cautioned. Chief Okechukwu made this remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Eastern Regional Minister, Miss Patience Adow, at the residency at Koforidua on Thursday. He said the sub-region is looking up to the two countries to play a leading role in promoting development in the region but cautioned that integration of policies should not be at the expense of the people. He commended the leaders of both countries for the "fast-track approach" adopted to enhance integration between the two nations and the sub-region.

"The important thing is that the two nations are moving; we are brothers and it is hoped it would continue this way because we have a lot to learn from each other", he added.

Miss Adow recalled the cordial relations that has existed between the two countries especially their co-operation and contribution to peacekeeping in trouble spots in the West African sub-region. She said in spite of the fact that Francophone countries are dominant in the sub-region, the two countries nevertheless, have been able to take a centre stage in the development of both the sub-region and the continent.