By CATHERINE NYIRENDA –
GHANIAN President John Mahama is eager to visit Zambia to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
Mr Mahama said this yesterday when he made a stop-over in Zambia at the Kenneth International Airport (KKIA) to refuel his presidential jet on his way from Mauritius where he went for a three-day State visit.
“The historical relation between Ghana and Zambia is one that we must continue to build on. Our founding presidents who were leaders in Africa tried to show us the way. As a future crop of leaders we must follow in their footsteps,” Mr Mahama said.
Zambia and Ghana recently signed an agreement to revive the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) to enhance bilateral relations.
Mr Mahama said his government intended to use the pending JPC meeting as a vehicle to purse all the objectives that would bring the two countries together.
He was happy that the trade regional bodies were making progress towards the African Union (AU) Free Trade Area (FTA) which the continent should work towards by 2017.
“Once the AU-FTA is attained it will be beneficial as people and goods will move freely across the continent, it will be a win-win for all,” he said.
Acting President Inonge Wina said Zambia was looking forward to Mr Mahama’s visit following the extension of the invitation by President Edgar Lungu and the Zambian Government.
Ms Wina, who met the Ghanaian President at the KKIA, said Zambia looked up to Ghana as an inspiration, being the first country to gain independence in Africa and the economic gains it had achieved so far.
“It is encouraging to note the economic success your country has achieved. We know that the prices of oil on the international market are high, but Ghana has managed to survive because of the policies
that have been put in place by your Government,” Ms Wina said.
She told the Ghanaian President that President Lungu was unable to meet him as he was in Namibia for a State visit.