By William Yaw Owusu
Friday May 7,2010
As part of activities to commemorate 50 years of independence of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, its embassy in Accra has outlined series of activities to mark the occasion.
Cote d’ Ivoire, known as the Ivory Coast which borders Ghana on the west, gained independence from its colonial masters France on August 7, 1960, and would chalk 50 on August 7.
Some of the activities outlined include flag raising ceremony, a joint Cote d’Ivoire/Ghana Industrial and Trade Fair, a forum on sustainable cocoa economy, investment conference as well as a musical concert where international artists from both countries would perform.
Cote d’Ivoire together with Ghana produce 60 per cent of the world’s cocoa and aside that, Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of rubber and the second leading producer of cashew nut.
Launching the programme of activities at a well attended ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, Emmanuel Auguste Ackah, Cote d’Ivoire Ambassador to Ghana said his country formerly known for its peace and stability had gone through military and political crisis but following the Ouagadougou Political Agreement under the initiative of President Laurent Gbagbo “this conflict which can be traced deep back into history, is now behind us.”
He said the socio-political upheaval thwarted their effort to build a prosperous nation adding “we have put the past behind us and we are moving towards an ideal economic development.”
Ambassador Ackah said the people of Cote d’Ivoire have now resolved to support one another to make their country grow saying “the investment opportunities that abound in my country is enormous.”
He stressed the need for a strengthened partnership between his country and Ghana commended the government of Ghana and the Ghana COCOBOD for their support for the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire.
He said “President Gbagbo and President Mills are focusing on the historic, cultural, economic and agricultural similarities we have as nieghbours and these similarities make is duty bound for us to work hand in hand to boost our economies and promote sub-regional integration by serving as role models”.
Mr. Seth Adjei-Baah, Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw and Vice President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce who was the guest of honour noted that although the two countries’ economies depend hugely on agriculture there was little to show in terms of trade and commerce between them.
“There are numerous products that the two countries could trade in to bring prosperity to their people but we prefer exporting our products to Europe where we help them to create their wealth.”
He said “If we are able to trade among ourselves as Africans we shall be able to retain money in our respective countries for accelerated development. With strong political will, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire should be able to bring economic integration in the sub-region.”
Alsos see: www.dailyguideghan.com
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