This, he explained, could be attributed to the sound economic policies being pursued by President Akufo-Addo and his government and called for closer co-operation and friendship between Ghana and Madagascar during the mandates of President Akufo-Addo and himself.

President Rajoelina made this known Saturday, January 19, 2019 when he held bilateral talks with President Akufo-Addo in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, shortly after he was sworn into office as the new President.

Dignitaries

The ceremony was attended by the President of Zambia, Mr Edgar Lungu; President of Guinea, Mr Alpha Condé; the President of Namibia, Mr Hage Geingob and the President of the Comoros, Mr Azali Assoumani.

Other dignitaries were the former President of Mozambique and former Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Dr. Joaquim Chissano; the Vice-President of Cote d’Ivoire, Mr Daniel Kablan Duncan; Vice-President of Seychelles, Mr Vincent Meriton; and the former French President, Mr Nicolas Sarkozy.

Expressing his admiration for President Akufo-Addo on his vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid, Mr Rajoelina again lauded the President of Ghana for his decision to situate an industrial establishment in all parts of the country, guarantee access to education for all of Ghana’s children and move towards making Ghana self-sufficient in the production of food.

He pointed out that all of these were efforts and measures being instituted by President Akufo-Addo to put Ghana onto the path of progress and prosperity.

He, therefore, indicated his preparedness to deepen the relations between the two countries for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.

President Akufo-Addo’s response

Responding, President Akufo-Addo congratulated President Rajoelina on his ascension to the high office of President of the Republic of Madagascar, once again and wished him well during his tenure.

He also commended President Rajoelina for his decision to restructure the economy of Madagascar for "strong growth", as well as establish an independent body similar to Ghana’s Office of Special Prosecutor, to combat corruption in Madagascar.

President Akufo-Addo further assured President Rajoelina of Ghana’s unflinching solidarity with Madagascar and pledged to do his best to deepen the ties of co-operation, friendship and trade between the two countries.

President Akufo-Addo returned home from Madagascar on Sunday, January 20, 2019.