Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s governance and reform agenda, describing Ghana as a model for Africa’s development while calling for stronger bilateral cooperation in education, trade, infrastructure, security, and regional peace.
Speaking during bilateral talks with President Mahama at the Presidency in Accra on the first day of his three-day official state visit to Ghana, President Nguema expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation and reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to building an enduring strategic partnership with Ghana.
“I wish first to express my sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation,” President Nguema said.
The Gabonese leader paid tribute to Ghana’s historic contribution to Africa’s liberation and democratic development, saying the country’s founding ideals continue to inspire the continent.
“The ideals of this great country, championed by leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Jerry John Rawlings, continue to inspire and guide governance across Africa,” he stated.
President Nguema also thanked President Mahama for attending his swearing-in ceremony and the inauguration of Gabon’s Parliament, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the strong friendship between the two countries.
“I would also like to thank you sincerely for your presence during my swearing-in ceremony and the inauguration of Parliament. Your attendance demonstrated the strong bonds of friendship and commitment that exist between our two countries,” he said.
Turning to Ghana’s economic reforms, President Nguema commended the Mahama administration’s efforts to improve governance in the mining sector and promote local value addition.
“I congratulate you on the reforms being undertaken in Ghana’s mining sector, which seek to enhance transparency, improve governance and ensure greater value addition to the country’s natural resources,” he noted.
He also applauded Ghana’s cocoa processing initiatives, saying Africa’s future prosperity depends on adding value to its raw materials instead of exporting them in their unprocessed form.
“Like Ghana, Gabon is pursuing local processing of its manganese resources because value addition creates wealth, generates employment and offers opportunities for our young people,” President Nguema said.
“I wish to congratulate Ghana once again for its continued efforts to increase local cocoa processing. Value addition is essential if Africa is to create wealth from its own resources. As Pan-Africanists, all African states should be inspired by this approach.”
The Gabonese President further praised Ghana’s social protection programmes and inclusive development agenda, describing them as important measures that ensure national development benefits all citizens.
Education also featured prominently in the discussions, with President Nguema expressing appreciation for Ghana’s support for Gabonese students studying in Accra.
“I also wish to express my profound gratitude for the warm reception and opportunities Ghana has provided to Gabonese students studying in Accra,” he said.
While acknowledging that rising scholarship costs have compelled Gabon to send some students to other African countries, he expressed optimism that both governments would continue discussions to expand educational opportunities.
“Investing in the education of our youth is investing in the future of our nation,” he stressed.
On regional integration, President Nguema praised Ghana’s infrastructure development programme and announced that he had directed Gabon’s Ministers responsible for Infrastructure and Transport to prepare proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation with Ghana.
Security cooperation was another major focus of the bilateral talks. President Nguema reaffirmed Gabon’s readiness to work closely with Ghana in safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea against piracy, illegal trafficking and other maritime threats.
“We must intensify our common efforts to combat maritime piracy, illegal trafficking and all other threats affecting maritime security. Africa must increasingly take responsibility for safeguarding its own peace and security,” he said.
He also commended President Mahama’s mediation efforts across the continent and urged African leaders to embrace dialogue and solidarity in addressing political transitions and regional instability.
“Dialogue and solidarity must remain at the centre of our approach. We should not hastily condemn our fellow leaders solely because they emerged through transitional arrangements,” President Nguema stated.
He argued that sustainable peace must precede democratic elections in conflict-affected states.
“Credible elections cannot be conducted in countries divided by conflict. Where terrorism persists and citizens cannot safely exercise their democratic rights, peace and security must first be restored before meaningful elections can take place.”
President Nguema expressed special appreciation to President Mahama for Ghana’s unwavering support throughout Gabon’s political transition.
“I wish particularly to thank my senior brother, President Mahama, because throughout Gabon’s difficult period, Ghana remained by our side,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the Gabonese leader appealed for Ghana’s support for Gabon’s bid to host a future African Union Summit and formally invited President Mahama to undertake a state visit to Gabon.
“I therefore count on your support, my dear senior brother, when the appropriate time comes,” he said.
“I also take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you to undertake a state visit to Gabon in the near future.”
President Nguema ended by thanking President Mahama for what he described as productive discussions and reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to deepening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
