Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana, describing the partnership as one rooted in history, trust and deep people-to-people ties.
He dated back to the era of Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda.
Speaking in Lusaka during President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit, President Hichilema said the Ghana-Zambia relationship has grown beyond diplomacy into strong social and economic connections, including intermarriages and business partnerships.
“Your Excellency, I just want to express really how important the Ghana-Zambia relationship is, how we value this relationship… dating back to our leaders, Kwame Nkrumah, President Kaunda,” he said.
He added, “Somewhat, Ghanaians and Zambians, they found common interests and created families over years. There can be no deeper relationship.”
President Hichilema said his talks with President Mahama covered key areas including economic reforms, mining cooperation, trade and Africa-wide development priorities, stressing that the continent’s Pan-African ideals must now translate into economic progress.
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“The important thing now for us is to drive… the economic, if you like, agenda,” he stated.
He said President Mahama briefed him on Ghana’s economic restructuring and reforms, including fiscal discipline and macroeconomic consolidation.
“He was explaining to me the measures that is put in place, the restructuring of the Ghanaian economy… fiscal consolidation issues, discipline, prudence, rule of law,” he noted.
President Hichilema also said Zambia was eager to learn from Ghana’s experience in the gold sector, especially in dealing with large-scale and small-scale mining.
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“For Ghana, the gold sector experience is important for us to avoid reinventing the wheel,” he said.
He further pledged Zambia’s support for Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
“We’re very happy that Ghana is hosting the secretariat for the Africa free trade area. And Zambia will do everything to support Ghana to succeed in that area,” he said.
President Hichilema urged stronger cooperation between businesses and citizens of both countries, noting that the relationship should ultimately deliver jobs, education and opportunities for Africa’s youth.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
