Ghana, Guinea-Bissau reaffirm bilateral, trade and economic relations

The Republics of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral, trade, and economic relations between the two West African nations.

The two countries did this when President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the seat of Ghana’s presidency, the Jubilee House, on Monday, 8 April 2024, as part of the Guinea-Bissau leader’s three-day state visit to Ghana.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was received at the forecourt of the Jubilee House by the Director of State Protocol where he inspected a guard of honour formed by the Ghana Navy. The national anthems of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau were played before and after his inspection of the guard.

President Akufo-Addo subsequently received President Sissoco Embaló at the Foyer of the Jubilee House before taking official photographs of the visit. After introducing their respective delegations to each other, the two heads of state held a tete-a-tete meeting and subsequently joined their delegations in the Auditorium of the Jubilee House where they held a bilateral meeting.

After the bilateral session, the two leaders addressed the Jubilee House press corps. In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo noted that the two delegation held talks in an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding.

The talks, President Akufo-Addo said focused on multiple sectors and he is confident that the two countries will work our modalities for the implementation of the agreements reached following the talks.

“The ministerial teams of our two countries held talks aimed at deepening the bilateral relations between our two countries and exploring in detail areas of possible cooperation between Ghana and Guinea-Bissau for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” Akufo-Addo said.

“The discussions in the areas of education, trade and industry, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, environment, science and technology, petroleum and hydrocarbon activities and tourism were held in an atmosphere fruitful and cordiality” the President added.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló on his part observed that he has great respect for the Ghana, her leaders and her people. He noted that Guinea-Bissau even though has a strong relationship with Ghana, is looking forward to expanding the same.

“I am here to reiterate our conviction that together, working hand by hand in the spirit of brotherhood, complementarity and solidarity, we can achieve we can achieve many important objectives,” the Guinea-Bissau leader said

“Guinea-Bissau and Ghana, shall continue to share knowledge and expertise in important fields like education, technology, agriculture, economic and finance issues as well as defence and security,” President Umaro Sissoco Embaló added.

President Akufo-Addo will host a state banquet in honour of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló at the banquet hall of the Jubilee House. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló is expected to leave the country later today, Monday, 8 April 2024.

By Wilberforce Asare