President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ghanaian counterpart on Monday agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and improve regional security.
The two Presidents entered the agreements during a closed door meeting after which the press was briefed on issues discussed.
Top on the list was the reformation of the military and on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) biometric card, which would make trading between Ghana and Nigeria much easier.
President Buhari gave the assurance that he will compose his cabinet during a joint press conference with President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana.
“After I was sworn-in, I said I will have my cabinet in September. I expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the 30th of September if I do not do so,” President Buhari said.
The President arrived Ghana at approximately 10am at the Kotoka International Airport where he inspected a Guard of Honour.
Remarkable Progress
President Buhari also told reporters that the Nigerian military, in close collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force, has recorded remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram.
“The first thing I did after I came into office was to reorganize the military and clear orders were given to them in terms of retraining, re-equipping and redeployment of troops.
“In the northeast, the military is gaining ground and Boko Haram has been limited to the Sambisa forest.
“Internally Displaced Persons are gradually moving back home and they are being reintegrated into their respective communities,” President Buhari said.
I Have Declared My Assets Four Times
The President affirmed that it was a constitutional requirement that all public office holders in Nigeria should declare their assets before and after their term in office.
“I recall that in 1975 when late Murtala Mohammed became the Head of State, we were lined up – governors, ministers, members of the Supreme Military Council. Officials of Ministry of Justice were brought and every individual was made to declare his assets.
“All Heads of States and Government, governors, ministers, permanent secretaries have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement.
“I have declared my assets four times. When I was governor in 1975, I declared. After being Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State and now as a President, I have also declared” he said.
The Ghanaian President added that both leaders also agreed to encourage closer cooperation between the intelligence and anti-graft agencies of both countries.
He thanked President Buhari for his visit and assured him of Ghana’s support and cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
