Management of the B&FT – the nation’s premier financial publication – has paid a courtesy call to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, in a move geared toward strengthening media cooperation and enhancing coverage of regional trade initiatives
The meeting, which brought together senior executives from both institutions, focused on deepening institutional ties and exploring opportunities to comprehensively cover Ghana-Nigeria business relations between the nations, which collectively account for approximately 50 percent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Leading the B&FT delegation was Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Godwin Acquaye, accompanied by Director of Operations, Dr. Daniel Anim Prempeh, Human Resources Manager, Rhoda Mensah-Ankrah, and Senior Journalist, Ebenezer Chike Adjei Njoku.
The Nigerian High Commission was represented by Acting High Commissioner, Dayo Adeoye; Minister Counsellor, Olonijolu Olufemi, and First Secretary, Uray Obuah-Nwosa.
During the discussions, Mr. Adeoye highlighted the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, describing it as “brotherly” and noting that the bond between both nations has grown even stronger with the passage of time.
He highlighted the crucial role both institutions could play in advancing economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region and promoting intra-African trade.
“The relationship between Nigeria and Ghana extends beyond mere diplomatic ties. Our nations share deep historical, cultural, and economic bonds that have only grown stronger with time,” Ajayi said.
He stressed the importance of maintaining high journalistic standards, urging B&FT to continue prioritising accuracy and quality in its reporting of Nigerian-Ghanaian business relations.
Dr. Acquaye, acknowledging the High Commissioner’s remarks, highlighted B&FT’s established relationship with Nigerian businesses operating in Ghana.
“Our publication has maintained strong ties with Nigerian businesses in Ghana, and we remain committed to providing thorough, accurate coverage of bilateral business activities,” he stated.
The B&FT CEO pledged to intensify these relationships further, suggesting potential areas for enhanced cooperation between the publication and the High Commission.
He highlighted the B&FT’s platforms and unmatched reach as crucial in supporting both countries’ efforts to strengthen economic ties and advance regional trade initiatives.
“Our print and online offerings, combined with flagship events like the Ghana Economic Forum, the Money Summit, the Women in Business (WIB) Summit, and the Sustainability Summit, provide unparalleled opportunities for businesses and policymakers to communicate their messages effectively,” he explained.
The meeting takes place at a pivotal moment as African nations work to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which was projected to increase intra-African trade by as much as 52.3 percent by the end of 2025.
A report published by Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics revealed that trade with countries within the sub-region accounted for 52 percent of its total trade with African nations in 2023, with Ghana being it’s biggest regional trading partner.
Data from the United Nations COMTRADE database indicates that trade between Ghana and Nigeria in 2023 was valued at approximately US$162.01 million. However, analysts believe this figure could be significantly higher if informal trade activities were fully accounted for.
SOURCE: thebftonline.com
