Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that the country is strengthening its diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean countries through new partnerships in healthcare, trade, aviation and investment.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Mr Ablakwa said discussions with key Caribbean partners had highlighted significant progress in bilateral cooperation.
He disclosed that Antigua and Barbuda had requested additional Ghanaian health workers following the positive impact made by the first batch of 120 nurses deployed to the country.
The minister also noted that a new visa waiver arrangement covering all categories of Ghanaian passport holders was expected to promote tourism, trade and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
In Jamaica, Mr Ablakwa said the Ghana-Jamaica Port Cooperation Agreement was ready for implementation, paving the way for closer collaboration between the Tema Port and the Port of Kingston.
The partnership is expected to strengthen maritime operations, logistics, trade and employment opportunities, while another batch of Ghanaian nurses has arrived in Jamaica under a labour mobility programme negotiated last year.
The Minister also held discussions with Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister, Sean S.M. Sobers, on attracting new investments and expanding cooperation in the oil and gas industry.
He announced that Ghana would commission its new High Commission in Trinidad next year as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations.
According to him, Ghana is also finalising air services agreements with Caribbean countries to facilitate direct flights once the ongoing revival of Ghana Airways is completed.
Beyond the Caribbean, the minister engaged Australia’s Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Peace, Security and Candidacies, James Buttigieg, on shared priorities surrounding Australia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana was also building stronger international partnerships ahead of its assumption of the African Union chairmanship next year.
He indicated that the country’s priorities would include securing permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, reforming the international financial system, regulating artificial intelligence and advancing climate justice.
Other areas of focus include resource sovereignty, reparatory justice and conflict resolution.
The minister expressed appreciation to his counterparts for their cooperation, describing the engagements as important steps towards advancing Ghana’s diplomatic and economic interests.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong