The Foreign Affairs Minister says Ghana’s quest to become economically self-reliant, can only be successful if developed countries partner the country.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Istanbul, Turkey as part of a two-day official visit, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey called on Ghana and Turkey to work towards enhancing their trade volumes for mutual benefits. 

She said, “we have looked at the diversification of our raw materials among other things, where we are adding value, where we are attracting investment into our country, where we are finding new markets for our raw materials. These are the things that will bring development to us and for us to reach a Ghana beyond aid.”

In the wake of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, she urged the Turkish investors to take advantage of the favourable investment environment in Ghana and continue to do business in the country.

“Ghana, fortunately, is hosting the headquarters (of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement) of a 1.2 billion market with a combined GDP of over 3 trillion dollars. I think this is a market that any investor would want to look at and I believe that the launch pad is for the world to come to Ghana, into the rest of Africa,” she added.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Turkey is the third largest trade partner in the region and has over the years had trade volumes with Ghana which have been generally beneficial for both countries. 

However, in 2018, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the trade volume reduced to $406.26 million.

To ensure future trade volumes do not take a dive again, the Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, called for the resumption of the Ghana-Turkey Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting and Political Dialogue between the two countries.

She believes penning the agreement again will further strengthen both nations' bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.