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President John Dramani Mahama has called for a deeper partnership between Ghana and Zimbabwe, focusing on key sectors such as trade, mining, agriculture, and energy, as both nations aim to bolster their economic relationships and regional integration. His remarks came during a meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on April 2, in a bid to further enhance bilateral ties.
“Recent efforts have been made to revive and expand our cooperation,” President Mahama said, referencing the cooperation agreement signed in 2023. He also stressed Ghana’s role in driving continental trade, citing the successful establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, which is central to fostering economic integration in Africa.
Both countries occupy strategic positions in their regional blocs, with Ghana within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Zimbabwe in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), providing an ideal platform for enhanced collaboration across West and Southern Africa.
Key Areas for Collaboration
President Mahama highlighted several priority sectors for joint action:
Mining: Both Ghana and Zimbabwe are endowed with significant natural resources. The President emphasized the need to adopt responsible mining practices and focus on value addition and beneficiation, ensuring that Africa retains a larger share of the wealth derived from its resources.
Agriculture: With Zimbabwe’s expertise in climate-smart agriculture and irrigation, President Mahama acknowledged the lessons Ghana could learn to improve its food security and modernize its agricultural practices.
Energy: Energy plays a vital role in economic development, and President Mahama underscored the potential for collaboration in renewable energy and power infrastructure to support industrial growth and transformation.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
Beyond economic sectors, President Mahama called for greater collaboration in education, tourism, culture, and sports to promote stronger ties between the citizens of both countries. He expressed excitement over the possibility of joint tourism initiatives linking Ghana’s historical heritage with Zimbabwe’s renowned natural attractions, such as Cape Coast and Victoria Falls.
The President also emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in driving economic growth, urging business-to-business engagements between Ghana and Zimbabwe. Improved transport links, including direct air routes between Accra and Harare, were identified as essential to boosting trade, tourism, and investment.
Looking Ahead
“I’m confident that these discussions will lead to concrete outcomes, allowing us to review our progress, address challenges, and forge a clear path forward,” President Mahama concluded. “These deliberations will strengthen the bonds between our two countries and further our shared vision for Africa’s development.”
In a gesture of solidarity, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Ghana for its leadership in advocating for the transatlantic slave trade to be recognized as the gravest crime against humanity.
The discussions between the two leaders mark a significant step toward a more integrated and prosperous future for both nations.
Story:Efua Nessa
Source:Loco tv