<<Print>>

Ghana and Nigeria are considering a possible exchange of prisoners, following bilateral talks held in Accra between Ghana�s Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, and his Nigerian counterpart, Chief Ojo Maduekwe. The agreement on the exchange of prisoners among other issues was proposed by Nigeria, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries for their mutual benefit. In attendance were the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms. Hannah Tetteh, and the Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Joseph Henry Smith. The bilateral talks, which were held at the instance of the Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria, centered on issues such as the Ghana-Nigeria Joint Commission, trade and energy, including the West African Gas Pipeline Project, the supply of oil at concessionary rates and training of technicians in the oil industry. Outstanding agreements, which included draft agreements on investment and the avoidance of double taxation, were also discussed. Before the talks retired into a closed-door session, the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Chief Maduekwe, said Nigeria identified itself with the successes achieved by Ghana. He said misfortune in one of the two countries had a negative impact on the other and underscored the need for �each country to be the brother�s keeper.� Chief Maduekwe said the talks would sort out ways of growing the two economies for the benefit of their peoples. Welcoming his Nigerian counterpart, Alhaji Mumuni said the meeting had become imperative due to the long-term relationship that existed between the two countries. �Our two countries need to outline strategies to help maintain that bond and foster the ECOWAS agenda,� he noted. He expressed the hope that the bilateral talks would produce a positive outcome.