President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to remove trade barriers between Ghana and Mali, promoting economic growth and bilateral ties. During a meeting with Mali’s President Goïta, he addressed challenges faced by long-distance truck drivers and emphasized the need for streamlined trade procedures. This initiative is part of Mahama’s broader diplomatic tour to strengthen relations with neighboring countries.
President John Dramani Mahama has firmly pledged to enhance regional trade by removing barriers that impede the transportation of goods between Ghana and Mali. He emphasized the importance of this initiative for promoting economic growth and strengthening bilateral relations, addressing this commitment during a recent press conference following a meeting with Mali’s Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, in Bamako on March 8.
The dialogue centered around improving trade procedures, alleviating bureaucratic obstacles, and reinforcing cooperation among the transport and customs agencies of both countries. President Mahama acknowledged the crucial contribution of long-distance truck drivers who facilitate the movement of goods, including food products, manufactured goods, and raw materials, across the border.
The President also recognized the challenges truck drivers face, such as cumbersome customs processes, roadblocks, delays at border crossings, and unofficial fees along their routes. He stated, “A lot of long-distance drivers, both Malian and Ghanaians, convey goods from our ports to Mali and transport goods from Mali back to our ports for export.”
The longstanding trade relations between Ghana and Mali highlight Ghana’s role as a significant entry point for Malian goods heading toward international markets. This visit to Mali was part of President Mahama’s broader ‘Good Neighbourliness’ tour, which aims to strengthen both diplomatic and economic ties with neighbouring nations. He is also scheduled to visit Niger and Burkina Faso, which have recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the AES bloc.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s commitment to eliminating trade barriers between Ghana and Mali is fundamental to fostering economic collaboration and enhancing bilateral relations. By addressing the challenges faced by transporters and streamlining trade procedures, this initiative is expected to significantly benefit both nations. Mahama’s broader diplomatic outreach, including forthcoming visits to Niger and Burkina Faso, underlines the importance of regional cooperation in West Africa.
Original Source: citinewsroom.com
