Ghana agree to back Raila’s AU bid
Kenya’s bid to clinch to the chairperson’s position at the African Union Commission (AUC) has received a boost following the support from Ghana President, Nana Addo Akufo.
The support was announced by State House, Kenya, through the statement posted on its website.
Kenya has expressed interest for the AUC position, with opposition leader Raila Odinga the main contestant.
“President Akufo-Addo committed to support Kenya’s candidature for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission 2025-2028,” part of the statement.
President Ruto was accompanied by the Tourism Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and other leaders.
Kenya has so far received support from a number of East Africa Community (EAC) member states following the recent visit by President Ruto and Mr Odinga to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
In exchange, President Ruto assured Ghana that Kenya will support the candidature of Ms Shirley Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in her position of Commonwealth Secretary-General for the period 2024-2029.
This was announced when the two leaders witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two nations.
Kenya and Ghana further signed seven agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
Ruto said the agreements signed, including some by business associations from Kenya and Ghana, are aimed at facilitating trade and investment between the two nations.
The President said the goal is to expand opportunities for business, the private sector and peoples of the two nations.
“During my discussions with President Nana Akufo-Addo, we have noted that these agreements are significant in the evolution of our diplomatic ties, which stand on warm and cordial, dynamic and impactful historic collaboration,” Ruto said.
President Ruto commended Ghana’s decision to remove visa requirements for all Africans by the end of the year, a move aimed at enhancing the continent’s integration.
“This commitment aligns with one of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area to create a single market in the continent and to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication.”
Other MoUs signed includes the cooperation in science and technology, tourism, education, governance and defence.
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