Let's talk trade, not migration – Akufo-Addo to EU

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has encouraged the European Union (EU) to focus its discourse with Africa, on trade and investments and not migration.

According to him, the relationship between the EU and Africa is lopsided, and, therefore, there was the need for an impartial discussion between both continents on matters that would mutually benefit both sides.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting with the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, who is preparing to take over the presidency of the EU, Nana Akufo-Addo said once issues of poverty are addressed in Africa, the EU would not need to worry about African migrants.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, disclosed this in an interview with Class91.3FM’s Executive Breakfast Show host Moro Awudu after the two heads of state met on Monday, 24 September 2018 in the United States of America where both leaders are attending the UN General Assembly Meeting.

According to Ms Botchway, Nana Akufo-Addo acknowledged the fact that migration to Europe was as a result of Africa’s poor economy, therefore, he believed the conversation between the EU and Africa should be more about investment and how to improve Africa’s economy rather than concentrating on what is happening with migration.

Mr Van der Bellen agreed with the Ghanaian leader that the real factors that the EU needs to help Africa address were poverty-related, such as bad economies, high unemployment rate and unfair trade deals.

He promised that under his presidency, the EU will engage more with Africa in those regards.

Nana Akufo-Addo also met with the President of Slovenia, Mr Borut Pahor, who expressed interest in building bilateral relations with Ghana and the rest of Africa.

Both leaders extended invitations to Nana Akufo-Addo to visit their countries.

Nana Akufo-Addo also extended an invitation to them to visit Ghana to explore investment opportunities in the West African country.