By Lauryne Akoth
Kenya and Ghana have signed seven agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
President William Ruto said the MoUs, including some signed by business associations from Kenya and Ghana, are aimed at facilitating trade and investment between the two nations.
The goal, he said, is to expand opportunities for business, the private sector, and the people of the two nations. Other MoUs include cooperation in science and technology, tourism, education, governance, and defense.
“During my discussions with President Nana Akufo-Addo, we have noted that these agreements are significant in the evolution of our diplomatic ties, which stand on warm and cordial, dynamic and impactful historic collaboration,” Said Ruto.
He made the remarks during a press conference at President Akufo-Addo’s office after the two leaders held talks during President Ruto’s State Visit to Ghana.
President Ruto commended Ghana’s decision to remove visa requirements for all Africans by the end of the year, a move aimed at enhancing the continent’s integration.
“This commitment aligns with one of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area to create a single market in the continent and to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication,” he said.
Kenya, too, did away with visa requirements for visitors from all countries in January this year. President Ruto pointed out that the free movement of people has contributed to growth in trade, investment, and tourism between Kenya and Ghana.
He assured that the two nations will use the opportunities provided by the Africa Continental Free Trade to further boost trade between Kenya and Ghana.
“President Akufo-Addo and I are encouraged that under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, our two countries have taken bold measures to explore these opportunities,” he said.
“On 23rd September 2023, Kenyan-made Chloride Exide batteries worth about KSh9.3 million landed in the Ghanaian Port of Tema, while Little Cab, a taxi-hailing service from Kenya, is now also operational in Ghana,” he added.
He emphasized that both Kenya and Ghana are determined to collaborate in tackling internal conflicts, wars, terrorism, and violent extremism, aiming to safeguard peace and stability and thus promote regional development.
“It has become clear in our discussions that we have to redouble our efforts to silence the guns in Africa as a vital condition for economic growth,” he said.
The two leaders also discussed institutional reforms at the African Union aimed at making the continental organization fit for purpose and the effective implementation of Agenda 2063.
This includes the need to restructure the African Union organs, conclude the division of labour between the AU Commission Organs, Specialised Agencies, and Regional Economic Communities, as well as the need to streamline the agenda of the Pan-African Parliament to cover strategic issues.