Ghana’s Foreign Minister Calls for Unity and Cooperation at Gulf of Guinea Commission Meeting
Accra, Ghana – August 5, 2024 – Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, delivered a keynote address at the Meeting of the Council of Ministers, sixth ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC). The meeting aimed to discuss critical issues affecting the region, including maritime security, economic development, and cooperation among member states.
Minister Botchwey welcomed dignitaries from member states, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort in addressing the challenges facing the Gulf of Guinea region. She highlighted the theme of the assembly, “Building a Safe and Prosperous Gulf of Guinea for Sustainable Development,” and stressed the need for a coordinated approach to achieve peace, security, and socio-economic development.
The minister discussed various reports, including the Executive Secretariat’s stewardship and programs designed to promote collective security and shared prosperity. She emphasized the need for member states to honor their financial obligations to the Commission, ensuring the availability of funds for implementing the Plan of Action and budgetary activities.
Minister Botchwey also addressed critical issues such as the vacant Director of Finance position, the appointment of the next Chairperson, and the date and place for the next Ordinary Session. She called for increased engagement between the Executive Secretariat and member states to develop strategic plans and achieve the Commission’s objectives.
The meeting aimed to find innovative solutions to the region’s challenges, including illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, smuggling, oil theft, and trafficking. Minister Botchwey emphasized the need for a sustainable approach to exploiting the region’s resources, ensuring the safety of coastal states and the peaceful exploitation of the Blue Economy.
The Gulf of Guinea Commission comprises 12 member states, and the meeting sought to strengthen cooperation and coordination among them. Minister Botchwey’s address set the tone for fruitful deliberations and positive outcomes, building on the recommendations of the Senior Officials Meeting for consideration and approval by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
On his part, The Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, Mr. Jose Mba Abeso expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities for their warm reception and hospitality. The Executive Secretary acknowledged the experts’ efforts in identifying the region’s challenges and solutions and encouraged the Council to consider their recommendations.
The Executive Secretary also mentioned the temporary halt of the audit to correct accounting figures, suggesting that the audit team should proceed with their work, pending the Ministers’ final decision.
The meeting aimed to discuss critical issues affecting the Gulf of Guinea region, including maritime security, economic development, and cooperation among member states. The Executive Secretary’s address set the tone for fruitful deliberations and positive outcomes.
