Ghana and Zambia forge stronger trade, cooperation and investment relations through 10 MoUs
Ghana and the Republic of Zambia have elevated their bilateral ties with the signing of ten new memoranda of understanding (MoUs), aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia presided over the signing ceremony, held at the prestigious Jubilee House in Accra on July 7, 2023.
The MoUs were finalized following a productive meeting between the Zambian delegation, led by President Hichilema, and President Akufo-Addo along with members of his administration. This significant milestone came as part of President Hichilema’s three-day state visit to Ghana.
The agreements span multiple areas of collaboration, including trade and investment, tourism, arts and culture, science, technology, innovation, and skills development. Notably, the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, signed the trade and investment MoU on behalf of Ghana, while Rodney Sikumba (MP) represented Zambia.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal signed the MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism, arts, and culture for Ghana, with Rodney Sikumba (MP) acting on behalf of Zambia. Additionally, cooperation in science, technology, and innovation was sealed through an agreement signed by Dr Kwaku Afriyie(MP), Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation of Ghana, and Rodney Sikumba (MP) of Zambia.
Furthermore, the MoU on skills development was signed by Ghana’s Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, with Rodney Sikumba (MP) from Zambia. The two countries also committed to combating illicit consumption and trafficking of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals through an MoU signed by Ghana’s Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery (MP), and Rodney Sikumba (MP) representing Zambia.
Additionally, cooperation in youth and sports, information and communication technology (ICT), investment promotion, as well as an MoU between the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) were among the other vital agreements signed between the two nations.
In a joint communique delivered by Nana Bediatuo Asante, secretary to the President of the Republic, it was highlighted that both leaders have directed their respective ministers to ensure the swift and comprehensive implementation of the signed MoUs. The communique also emphasized the commitment of Ghana and Zambia to cooperate within the African Union, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations (UN), while reinforcing shared values of democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights.
This notable step in bilateral relations is expected to pave the way for deeper economic integration and foster greater collaboration between Ghana and Zambia, while contributing to regional peace, security, and development in Africa.
