Nana Akufo-Addo lauds Ouattara's show of statesmanship during the maritime dispute

Nana Akufo-Addo has lauded Alassane Ouattara, the President of Cote d’Ivoire for his show of statesmanship after the decision reached by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on
the maritime dispute between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

The President said, “We've realized it was such a delicate moment, when it came to dispute over our maritime borders but your show of statesmanship, regard for the interests of our two countries and friendship made it possible for both countries to overcome those delicate moments and used it as a basis for forging, even more, stronger relations going forward,”

Nana Akufo-Addo, on Monday during bilateral talks with the President Alassane Ouattara said this, at the commencement of President Ouattara’s 2-day official visit to the Republic of Ghana.

Whilst expressing his gratitude and that of the of the Ghanaian populace for President Ouattara’s visit to Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Akufo-Addo made it known that “there're a lot of things we have to do to bring our two nations into greater intimacy than we have done in the past.

In acknowledging the political will on the side of President Alassane Ouattara to strengthen the bonds of friendship with Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that “it's for us, on our side as Ghanaians, to complement it.”

 He continued that, “There's a bright future ahead if we're able to get our various darts in the correct row. The Ghanaian people continue to be supportive of all the initiatives there are to improve our ties with Cote d’Ivoire.”

President Nana Addo reiterated His commitment and also promised to translate the technical decisions agreed on paper into concrete decisions that affect the lives of the of the citizens, and that is the most important thing. At this point in our history, we have a historic opportunity to bring our 2 countries together regardless of the outcome.”

President Ouattara received a rousing welcome from Ghanaians even before his discussion with Nana Akufo-Addo as he was driven through the principal streets in the capital city amidst cheers and chants from hundreds of Ghanaians who lined up to welcome the Ivorian President.

Before President Ouattara leaves on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, the two Presidents will address a joint press conference. They'll also sign a bilateral agreement and also inaugurate a joint commission for the implementation of the recent ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) judgement on the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between Ghana and the Cote d’Ivoire.