Kenya and Ghana have entered into seven agreements to strengthen their bilateral ties. President William Ruto highlighted that these Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), which include agreements signed by business groups from both countries, seek to promote trade and investment.
The objective is to broaden business opportunities for the private sector and citizens of both nations. Other MoUs include cooperation in science and technology, tourism, education, governance and defence.
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.
In January of this year, Kenya also eliminated visa requirements for travellers from all nations. President Ruto highlighted that the unrestricted movement of individuals has fostered increased trade, investment, and tourism between Kenya and Ghana.
He emphasized that both countries intend to leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area to enhance trade relations further.
“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.
In October 2022, the President flagged off the inaugural shipment of Kenyan tea from Nairobi to Ghana.
“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.
President Ruto emphasized the commitment of both nations to work together in addressing internal conflicts, warfare, terrorism, and violent extremism, with the goal of preserving peace and stability and consequently fostering regional development.