President William Ruto has endorsed Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Botchwey for the Commonwealth Secretary General post.
Speaking during an address in Ghana on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Ruto affirmed Kenya’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s bid for the commonwealth seat, in efforts to promote Africa’s growth at large.
“This presents an opportunity for Kenya and Ghana to collaborate. I take this opportunity to assure your excellency of my commitment to working with Ghana to strengthen the friendship,” Ruto noted.
In return, Ghana's President Akufo-Addo committed to supporting Kenya’s candidature for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission 2025-2028.
Kenya and Ghana also signed seven agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, which include cooperation in science and technology, tourism, education, governance and defence.
“During my discussions with President Nana Akufo-Addo, we have noted that these agreements are significant in the evolution of our diplomatic ties, which stand on warm and cordial, dynamic and impactful historic collaboration,” Ruto stated.
The head of state further commended his Ghanaian counterpart over his plans to eliminate visa requirements for all African countries by the end of the year.
“This commitment aligns with one of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area to create a single market in the continent and to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication,” Ruto stated.
During the same state visit, Ruto directed the Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) to overhaul double taxation for Kenyans living abroad, terming it as a burden.
The president further promised to work with relevant authorities to create a fair taxation regime for those in the diaspora, as well as increase their remittances.
"All you need to do is to file your return and state what you have paid and we will give you a tax credit for what you have paid so that you do not pay taxes twice," he stated.
As of April 2024, Diaspora remittances stood at around USD 3.3 billion. The president is pushing for the number to rise to the USD 10 billion mark within the next five years.
