Bolgatanga, May 6, GNA - Mr Muhammed Musiliu Obanikoro, High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, on Wednesday said Ghana and Nigeria needed to collaborate to speed up the growth of the West Africa sub-Region. "We must strengthen our relationship, economically, socially, politically and culturally and see to remove all barriers to enable us work together to enhance development and reduce poverty among our people," he said.

Mr. Obanikoro said this at Bolgatanga when he interacted with the Nigerian community in the Upper East Region. He noted that Ghana and Nigeria were key players in West Africa and must work together in the interest of the sub-region. He said it was rather unfortunate that while the two countries worked together to have a better sub-region some young energetic Nigerian youth in Ghana, for lack of knowledge, did not understand the importance of such good relationship and were trying to mar it by indulging in criminal activities. Such people, he said needed to be educated to put their energies to better use.

Mr. Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, observed that it was not possible for any country to stand on its own and said Ghana appreciated Nigeria's support, especially in the provision of petroleum. He said even the developed nations were striving to improve relationship with each other and that it was time West African countries took up the challenge to foster closer working relationship. He noted that Ghana and Nigeria could exchange ideas about oil exploration and utilization. "As far as the oil industry is concerned, Ghana has a lot to learn from Nigeria." Mr Woyongo said the Upper East Region had a lot of resources and investors could make good money in various businesses in the area. He commended the Nigerian Community in the region, saying they were hard working and law-abiding people.