The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in Ashanti Region of Ghana has given assurances to step up efforts at ending trade dispute between Ghana and Nigeria even as he called for more collaboration among the Gulf of Guinea States, especially Ghana and Nigeria to secure the area against piracy.
Speaking when the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas paid a working visit to his palace, the monarch said he would continue to support the Mission and ensure the trade dispute between Nigeria and Ghana becomes a thing of the past.
According to him, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is hampering navigation and trade within the coast stressing that there is the need for collaboration among the Gulf of the Guinea states especially Ghana and Nigeria to secure the area.
The Asantehene commended Ibas for his more than 30 years’ meritorious service to Nigeria adding “I hope you will bring your vast experience as a former Vice Admiral to bear in your present assignment as the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana”
Earlier, Ambassador Ibas commended the monarch for playing host to a large number of Nigerians in his domain and his fatherly role towards them.
He noted that the relations between Ghana and Nigeria has always been cordial spanning many years of engagements stressing that the relations have continued to enjoy support at the highest political level.
Ibas said the purpose of his visit was to familiarize him with the region and explore means of further engagements.
Ambassador Ibas was particularly thankful to the monarch for his role in handling the trade issue in Ashanti Region and informed him of his advice to the Nigerian Community to always adhere to the laid down law of the host country.
The High Commissioner was also at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST) Kumasi where he was received by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson,
While informing the Vice Chancellor that the visit was a familiarization one, the High Commissioner commended her for “effectively handling the affairs of the university and Nigerian nationals there”
The Ambassador promised to work closely with KNUST particularly on issues affecting Nigerian students.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor said she was looking forward to a greater collaboration with Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and promised to invite the Ambassador to an upcoming International Day in January, 2022.
Recall that the High Commissioner had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah and had a robust discussion him on issues of mutual benefits to the two countries.
He also engaged with the Nigerian Community in Ghana. At the Town Hall meeting, Ambassador Ibas enjoined Nigerians to continue to live together peacefully with their host country reminding them of the need to always be good Ambassadors of Nigeria and respect the law of Ghana, assuring them that the Mission was committed to the welfare of every Nigerian in Ghana.