Ghana, Togo direct security chiefs to meet on trans-border crimes

Accra, Aug. 26, GNA - The Presidents of Ghana and Togo have directed their security chiefs to meet as a matter of urgency to examine all aspects of co-operation to bring down trans-border crimes. Prof John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana and Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo also reiterated the need to reconstitute and convene their Joint Border Demarcation Commission within the first quarter of 2010 in response to the security challenges along the common borders. Such crimes include drug trafficking, illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, human and currency trafficking.

At the end of a two-day official visit of the Togolese leader to Ghana on Wednesday, the two Presidents expressed the conviction to enhance their bilateral relations and co-operation. The leaders, therefore, directed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the two countries to co-ordinate the identified areas of co-operation and convene the Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation not later than December 15, 2009.

In a 20-point joint communiqu=E9 signed by Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Foreign Affairs Minister, and his Togolese counterpart Mr Koffi Esaw, the two Presidents renewed their commitment to accelerate the process of regional integration.

They also reaffirmed their determination to accelerate the process of regional integration in promoting the free movement of persons, goods and services and to intensify trade and economic relations between their two countries and within the sub-region.

"They noted with great satisfaction the contribution that the Co-Prosperity Alliance Zone comprising Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo could make in accelerating the process of regional integration," the communiqu=E9, read by Alhaji Mumuni said.

On the political reforms Togo, the leaders appreciated the recent reforms in the Electoral Code and the restructuring of the Independent Electoral Commission and their impact on future elections.

President Mills reaffirmed Ghana's preparedness to continue to support Togo's electoral process through sharing of experiences and the provision of technical assistance as might be required and called for closer collaboration of the Electoral Commissions of the two countries. "These developments should strengthen the basis for ensuring a calm political environment and reconciliation for a free, transparent, fair and violence-free presidential election due in 2010," the communiqu=E9

On the visit of the US President US Barack Obama to Ghana last month, the two leaders noted the impact of that visit beyond the borders of Ghana as far as the message on democracy and good governance was concerned, and agreed that President Obama's visit had had serious implications for Africa's development which should not be taken for granted.

Both Presidents also reviewed the political situation in Guinea Bissau, Guinea and Niger, and expressed satisfaction with the progress made for the holding of democratic elections in Cote d'Ivoire and Gabon. The two leaders also called on the international community to remain engaged with the situation in Sudan and in Somalia and to continue the search for lasting solutions to the crises and relieve the people of the two countries from suffering.

The visit of the Togolese leader was a follow up to that of President Mills to Togo last April. The two leaders also reviewed the current international economic crisis.

They expressed the hope that the commitments made by the developed countries at the G20 Summit last April in London were implemented to minimize the adverse effects of the world economic slowdown on the economies of developing countries.

The two delegations considered the existing and mutually beneficial areas of trade, energy, water resources, food and agriculture, health, telecommunications, defence and security sectors. During President Gnassingbe's visit he toured the Asogli Power Plant at Kpone, near Tema, the Pioneer Food Cannery in Tema and the Akosombo Hydro Electric Dam. President Gnassingbe has since returned home.