The President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo has recently pointed out his attentiveness to share the experiences, which Ghana has gained in the oil and gas resources management, since its discovery in Senegal.
Moreover, he will speak on the topic of the actions taken to guarantee the careful and efficient use of the proceeds from their trade with Senegal.
Yen Ghana cites the President: “With the current discovery of gas and oil in Senegal in commercial quantity, I consider Ghana is well-resourced to share with you the dos and don’ts for the efficient management of oil and gas revenues.”
This statement by Nana Akufo-Addo was a response to the Senegalese President Macky Sall`s request at a meeting, which was held on May 16, at the Presidential Palace, to discuss probable fields of co-operation between Senegal and Ghana.
The President of Ghana emphasized that the production of gas and oil, and the profits from their sale would give both countries ideal opportunity to change the structure of their individual economies, from producing and exporting raw materials to value-added, industrialized economies.
Currently, Ghana and Senegal have determined to generate the necessary legal background for their collaboration in this regard. Two presidents have also agreed that Senegal will soon send a special professional team, which will investigate Ghana’s promising oil and gas industry. Moreover, these specialists should adopt the best practices in Senegal’s gas and oil resources management.
Akufo-Addo has also told his colleague Macky Sall that his country also wanted to extend mutual collaboration with Senegal in agriculture, mainly in the fisheries and horticultural sector, as well as in investment, defense, tourism, trade, and energy.
In particular, the President of Ghana said the following: “I consider that escalation of collaboration in the education area, between our two countries, above all in studying English and French languages will be beneficial for both Senegal and Ghana very much. We want to make the process of West Africa integration real. Thus, my government plans to make the learning of the French language obligatory for all school levels.”
Moreover, Akufo-Addo emphasized the fact that close cooperation with Senegal in French teachers training would be useful in ensuring the total success of such policy. He also added that he would be extremely glad to breathe life into the annual language program between Ghana and Senegal. “It will surely allow Ghanaian students undertaking expertise courses in French at the well-known University Cheikh Anta Diop,” added the President.
Since 1997, West Africa’s population has reached almost 510 million people. The President Akufo-Addo pointed to the fact that there are tremendous opportunities to bring wealth to West Africa, using enterprise, hard work, and inspiration. He also added that the real time for West African integration came. “Senegal and Ghana should be at the head of the process, which will undoubtedly convert Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) into a factual regional market,” Ghana`s leader stressed.
Concerning the situation in neighboring Cote d’Ivoire, Akufo-Addo emphasized that stability and peace in this region were crucial to the feasibility of the ECOWAS market.
“All of us must support and hearten all the initiatives President Alassane Ouattara takes to find a reasonable conclusion to the crisis in his country. It will be beneficial for all of us,” the President Akufo-Addo added.
Nana Akufo-Addo highly praised his colleague Macky Sall for the strong leadership he has been showing, since becoming the president. Since the beginning of his presidency, Senegal has turned into the 2d fastest growing West-African economy (almost 6.6% annually). In particular, these are such sectors of the economy as industrial, agricultural, and services sectors.
The President of Ghana also applauded Macky Sall for the steps he took to set up the industrial enclave at Diamniadio and the first in West Africa avant-garde tram system, which linked Dakar to the industrial commune.
Nana Akufo-Addo concluded his inspiring speech with the following words: “The triumph of these actions enhances the real power of the economy of Senegal.”