Ghana plans to partner with Liberia to enhance cocoa production, sharing expertise through the Ghana Cocoa Board. President Mahama outlined the initiative during a credential ceremony, emphasizing historical ties, mutual benefits from collaboration, and the importance of regional security cooperation.
Ghana intends to collaborate with Liberia in enhancing cocoa production, leveraging Ghana’s expertise as the second largest cocoa producer globally. President John Dramani Mahama announced discussions with President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, aimed at establishing a partnership involving the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). This cooperation aims to implement modern techniques in cocoa cultivation as a joint venture between the two nations.
During a recent credential ceremony, President Mahama indicated plans to dispatch COCOBOD leadership to Liberia to discuss potential joint cocoa production initiatives. He highlighted the long-standing research conducted by Ghana’s Cocoa Research Institute, asserting that both countries would benefit mutually from such collaboration.
President Mahama acknowledged Liberia’s unique history, noting that while Ghana was the first country in Africa to gain independence from colonial rule, Liberia has never been colonized. He reminisced about the bonds forged during Liberia’s civil war, where Ghanaian soldiers assisted in restoring peace, with many lives lost in the process.
He remarked on the significant relationship built over the years, as many Liberians sought refuge in Ghana, thus reinforcing the historical ties between the two nations. Emphasizing their shared identity, he pointed out that both countries are part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and should work closely together.
Addressing regional security concerns, President Mahama noted his recent visit to the Alliance of Sahel States, emphasizing the necessity of a unified approach to combating terrorism, which threatens to destabilize the Sahel region. He also expressed hope for improved inter-regional connectivity, proposing an extension of the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to Dakar to promote trade.
Additionally, he suggested establishing a ferry route from Monrovia to Lagos, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Mrs. Musu Jatu Ruhle, Liberia’s Ambassador to Ghana, congratulated President Mahama on his electoral victory and expressed a desire for close collaboration between the two governments.
In summary, Ghana and Liberia are poised to strengthen their partnership in cocoa production through a collaborative initiative led by the Ghana Cocoa Board. This endeavor aims to harness Ghana’s extensive knowledge and research in cocoa cultivation, benefiting both nations. President Mahama’s remarks highlight the historical ties and shared experiences that unify them and emphasize the pressing need for collaboration to address security challenges in the West African region.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
