The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has presented Ghana-made chocolate bars and a fugu wear to the Vice-President of The Gambia, Muhammad B. S. Jallow, to celebrate the long-standing relations between the two countries.
The minister also said that the gesture was a symbol of goodwill to deepen ties between the two countries and to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and cocoa products to delegates at the 19th Session of the General Assembly of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in Banjul.
He explained that the fugu, a traditional smock worn by Ghana’s first President at the declaration of independence, symbolised the country’s history and pride, while the chocolate represented renewed drive to add value to its cocoa.
The presentation was made on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the 19th Session of the General Assembly of the MOWCA in Banjul, which also marked the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
Presentation
Conveying President Mahama’s message, Mr Nikpe said the presentation of the smock was a token of appreciation for the hospitality extended to Ghana’s delegation.
On the chocolate, he said the country was intensifying efforts to enhance value addition in the cocoa sector and expand processing capacity.
He added that local processing companies had indicated their readiness to process more than 50 per cent of the country’s cocoa output, adding that the government was determined to support them.
“We now want to donate some bags of our rich and sweet chocolate to all members here to have a feel of what Ghanaian chocolate is like,” he said.
Mr Nikpe expressed the belief that The Gambia, known for its thriving tourism and hospitality sectors, could help promote Ghanaian chocolate to the international market.
Maritime transformation
The minister further said that Africa needed to take an active role in shaping global maritime policies amid rapid transformation in the industry.
He said Europe was spearheading discussions on green fuels and decarbonisation, while Asia continued to dominate maritime labour supply, adding that Africa must not remain a bystander.
“Africa must therefore be an active participant in these global conversations and enterprises,” he said.
He called for strengthened regional cooperation in maritime security, port modernisation, seafarer development and the protection of the marine environment.
Maritime transport, he said, remained the backbone of global trade, carrying about 90 per cent of world commerce and was essential to Africa’s economic prosperity and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Commitment
Mr Nikpe reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with member states and partners to ensure that the continent actively shapes the future of maritime trade rather than merely observing global changes.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh