Ghana and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The two West African nations also pledged to remove trade barriers to increase bilateral trade volumes and unlock new opportunities for businesses operating across their borders.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Nigeria's High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Shehu ILU Barde, after the envoy presented his letters of credence.

Mr Ablakwa underscored the importance of closer economic collaboration between the two countries, urging both governments to eliminate obstacles that continue to impede trade and investment.

He also called on Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states to build confidence in the proposed ECO single currency, describing it as a key instrument for facilitating trade, reducing transaction costs and deepening regional economic integration.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said stronger cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria would be critical to unlocking the full potential of AfCFTA and boosting intra-African trade.

During the meeting, Mr Ablakwa also appealed to the High Commissioner-designate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attacks on properties belonging to Ghanaian business mogul Sir Sam Jonah in Nigeria.

He stressed the need to protect cross-border investments to strengthen investor confidence and preserve the longstanding economic ties between the two countries.

Responding, Mr Barde expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for the warm reception and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship with Ghana.