Let’s see more action in Ghana-Togo collaboration
Relations between Ghana and Togo date back to the pre-colonial era when the present day Volta Region was part of Togo.
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Since then the two nations have been geographically separated by way of colonisation by the British and the Germans.
However, the commonalities between the two countries have bound them together in so many ways, even after they have become two separate nations.
Both countries belong to the sub-regional grouping ECOWAS and were very instrumental in its formation. Ghana and Togo also share a common border, which has greatly influenced economic activities between the two.
Additionally, although the two countries use different official languages — English and French — the local language spoken by many of the people on both sides of their common border has proved to be a very strong binding force between the two West African states.
We, however, find that in spite of the loads of promise that ECOWAS holds for both nations, many of the promises and pledges made by member countries to foster regional trade and integration have only been given lip service by the leaders.
There are still blockades to sub-regional trade, while the needed infrastructure for closer integration among the peoples of the two states have remained on the drawing board for decades.
The different tariff regimes prevailing in Francophone and Anglophone countries have also greatly hampered smooth trade between the countries.
Harmonisation of policies to allow uniformity and limit the delay in transactions among the two nations has also not been forthcoming.
The President of the Republic of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, is currently on a three-day state visit to Ghana to further develop, enhance and consolidate the friendly and brotherly relations existing between Ghana and Togo.
Discussions between the two sides will centre on a joint water project that will serve Ghana and Togo, as well as on energy, security and health.
Ghana has, over the years, supplied electricity to parts of Togo through a bilateral agreement.
The two leaders will engage in a number of activities in the spirit of brotherliness, including a joint inauguration of the newly built West Hills Mall at Kasoa and also be the guests of honour at the inauguration of the Atta Mills Centre for Law and Governance at GIMPA.
The Daily Graphic believes that much more can be achieved by Togo and Ghana if the leaders walk the talk in making good all agreements that have been signed between the two countries.
For now, what we see is individual trade among the people of both countries, which is not a bad thing in itself.
Although the two countries provide a market of not more than 30 million people, we believe the promotion of effective collaboration will be a good start for the integration of the whole sub-region.
However, for the cordial relations between the two countries to become more beneficial to both states, it is our view that the leadership must show commitment to all protocols and agreements by removing all obstructions to inter-state commerce and collaboration.