(MONROVIA, LIBERIA – February 21, 2009):  Liberia and Ghana have called for the deepening of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of trade, industry, investment, agriculture and the security sector.  The decision followed discussions in Accra on Saturday between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and John Evans Atta Mills, during a two-day state visit to Ghana.  

A Joint Communiqué issued at the end of the visit said, the two leaders have directed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and Ghana to take the necessary measures to reactivate the Ghana-Liberia Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, and to convene the next Session not later  than the end of July 2010. 

The two Presidents welcomed the holding of the Ghana-Liberia Investment and Trade Forum during the State Visit, and urged the business communities in both countries to promote meaningful investment and private sector participation in the region’s economic development. 

The Liberian and Ghanaian Presidents also discussed political and socio-economic developments in the West African sub-region, particularly within the context of the global economic and financial crisis.  They emphasized the need for the countries of the region to forge stronger linkages by promoting more vigorous and vibrant inter-state trade and economic activities to further advance regional integration, trade and investment in the spirit of ECOWAS Treaties and Protocols. 

The two leaders acknowledged the need to entrench the culture of democracy, good governance, the rule of law and the respect for human rights. 

During the visit, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered a lecture at the University of Ghana, Legon, on the topic, “Reconstructing a Nation: The Liberian Experience.”  The Liberian leader later laid a wreath at the Peacekeeper’s Memorial in honor of Servicemen who lost their lives in the course of peacekeeping operations. 

At the end of the visit, President Johnson Sirleaf expressed gratitude to His Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills, the Government and People of Ghana, for the warm and friendly welcome accorded her and her delegation. 

The Liberian leader extended an invitation to President Mills to visit Liberia. The invitation was accepted with appreciation, and the details of the visit would be communicated through diplomatic channels. 

The President and delegation returned home Saturday.

Arrival of President Sirleaf for two-day visit

Sirleaf and Prez Atta Mills during visit