President William Ruto is scheduled to embark on a significant three-day State visit to Ghana starting Tuesday, as officially confirmed by State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam. This marks Ruto’s inaugural visit to Ghana since assuming the presidency in September 2022, signifying a crucial milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the visit, Kenya and Ghana are poised to solidify their partnership through the signing of bilateral agreements across various sectors of mutual interest. These agreements will encompass vital areas such as trade and investment, education, research, public service, and capacity building, aiming to foster closer cooperation and economic development between the two countries.
Preparations for Ruto’s visit have been underway, with Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi arriving in Accra ahead of schedule on Monday evening. Mudavadi was warmly received at Kotoka International Airport by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Eliphas Barine, highlighting the importance of the upcoming diplomatic engagement.
Recent initiatives have underscored the growing economic ties between Kenya and Ghana, including Ghana’s plans to enhance business relations by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Notably, Kenya’s export of locally manufactured batteries to Ghana in September 2022 exemplifies the potential for collaboration under the AfCFTA framework, aimed at facilitating the movement of goods and services across Africa.
According to data from the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Kenya’s exports to Ghana totaled $10.3 million (Sh1.4 billion) in 2021. Conversely, Ghana’s exports to Kenya during the same period included commodities such as cocoa powder, rubber, and various agricultural products, emphasizing the diverse nature of trade relations between the two countries.
