Ghana and Togo are stepping up bilateral economic cooperation, with both countries prioritising energy, transport connectivity, industrial growth and cross-border trade integration.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Emmanuel Victor Smith, hosted Togo’s Ambassador to the United States, Frédéric Edem Hegbe, for discussions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation and advancing broader regional integration objectives across West Africa.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on energy and industrial development within the sub-region, with both sides stressing the importance of infrastructure and production capacity in driving long-term economic transformation.
Ambassador Smith stressed the need for “strengthening regional cooperation” to support industrial expansion, noting that a stable and reliable power supply remains a critical requirement for sustaining growth and improving competitiveness across economies in the region.
Ambassador Hegbe pointed to Togo’s expanding industrial and export activities, particularly its phosphate sector, which continues to play a significant role in the country’s foreign exchange earnings and export profile.
He described Togolese phosphate as “one of the best” after Morocco’s, noting that exports currently serve international markets including Europe, Japan and Israel, where the mineral is used in fertilizer production and sulfuric acid manufacturing.
The two diplomats also discussed transportation and trade connectivity, with attention given to the expansion of ASKY Airlines and its role in strengthening regional and international mobility.
Ambassador Hegbe indicated that the carrier now operates direct flights between Lomé and Washington twice a week, a development expected to improve travel efficiency and strengthen commercial and people-to-people links between West Africa and global markets.
Security and cross-border coordination also featured prominently in the discussions, with both ambassadors highlighting the importance of collaborative measures in addressing regional threats and preserving economic stability.
Ambassador Hegbe commended the operation of joint border posts at Akanu and Noepe, describing them as examples of effective cooperation in “fighting insurgency” and improving border management between the two neighbouring countries.
The engagement reflects broader efforts by Ghana and Togo to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations while advancing regional integration goals under a framework of shared development and security interests.
