Africa-Press – Liberia. The cities of Ganta in Liberia and Danané in Côte D’Ivoire are looking to strengthen their cross-border relationship by facilitating smoother movement of people, goods, and services between the two sister cities. This comes as a result of a recent visit by a delegation from the office of Danané’s City Mayor to Ganta, where they held constructive talks with Ganta City Mayor Samuel Hardt.
The day-long discussions centered on improving the socio-economic ties between the two cities, with a particular focus on ensuring the free movement of people and the unimpeded flow of goods and services. Both cities aim to establish a more vibrant relationship that will benefit their citizens and businesses.
Danané, located in western Côte D’Ivoire, holds historical significance for Liberia. During the Liberian civil war, it became a central hub for Liberian refugees fleeing the conflict that devastated the country for over a decade. Today, it is one of the closest Ivorian cities to Liberia and serves as an important transit point for Liberian businesspeople traveling to countries like Ghana, Togo, and Mali.
Ganta, the commercial hub of Nimba County in Liberia, has long been an entry point for trade and travel between the two neighboring countries. However, Mayor Hardt highlighted some of the challenges faced by Liberians when conducting business in Côte D’Ivoire, particularly with the current restrictions at the border.
“There is a need to relax some of the restrictions at the border to allow our citizens to move freely and carry on their normal business activities,” Mayor Hardt emphasized.
The delegation from Danané, led by Gaye Patrice, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor of Danané, expressed their gratitude to Mayor Hardt for his willingness to engage with Ivorian nationals residing and doing business in Ganta. Patrice praised the open dialogue between the two cities and suggested the formation of a union of city mayors that would include Ganta, Danané, and Nzerekoré, a city in Guinea. Such a union could help further strengthen regional ties and promote trade between these cities.
“It would be beneficial to establish a city mayors’ union that includes Ganta, Danané, and Nzerekoré,” said Patrice. “This would enhance our diplomatic relations and create more opportunities for trade and cultural exchange between our regions.”
The talks between the two cities also emphasized the importance of fostering peace and security in the region, particularly as it relates to border issues. Both mayors vowed to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens and to encourage more business opportunities.
Since the improvement of the road network between Liberia and Côte D’Ivoire, there has been significant progress in the movement of goods and services between the two countries. The improved road infrastructure has made it easier for businesses to operate across the border, and citizens have experienced fewer barriers when traveling between the two nations.
However, the ongoing roadwork on the Sehkinyepa-Loguatuo route remains at a standstill, which has slowed some transportation between certain areas. Despite this, the overall movement of goods and people has seen notable improvement compared to previous years.
Looking ahead, both cities are planning a friendly soccer match in Ganta, where the Mayor of Danané is expected to attend. This event will serve as a symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between Ganta and Danané, promoting not only cross-border trade and security but also cultural exchange and community engagement.
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