Ghana - Zambia Step-up Bilateral Relations With Signing Of 10 MoUs

Ghana and her East African trading partner, the Republic of Zambia, have stepped up their bilateral relations by signing ten (10) new memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

The signing of the MoUs was witnessed by President Akufo-Addo and President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema at the foyer of the Jubilee House today, 7 July 2023.

The signing of the MoUs followed a meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema, his delegation and President Akufo-Addo and members of hise administration at the Jubilee House as part of the three-day state visit of the Zambian leader to Ghana.

The MoUs signed

The MoUs signed are in the areas of trade and investment, which was signed on behalf of Ghana by the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond and Rodney Sikumba (MP) for Zambia.

The second MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism, arts and culture was signed by Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal for Ghana and Rodney Sikumba (MP) for Zambia

Cooperation in the field of science, technology, and innovation was the third MoU that was signed between the two countries. Dr Kwaku Afriyie(MP), Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, signed for and on behalf of Ghana and Rodney Sikumba (MP) signed for Zambia.

The next MoU in the area of skills development was signed by the Minister for Education Dr Yaw Osei Adurwum for Ghana, and Rodney Sikumba (MP) did the signing for Zambia

The fifth MoU on the prevention of illicit consumption and trafficking of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals as well as related offences was signed by the Interior Minister Ambrose Dery (MP) for Ghana and Rodney Sikumba (MP) for Zambia.

Cooperation in Youth and Sports, cooperation in the field of information, communication and technology (ICT), investment promotion and a MoU between the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), were the other five (5) MoUs that were signed between Ghana and Zambia.

The Communique

Reading the communique after the bilateral talks, secretary to the President of the Republic, Nana Bediatuo Asante pointed out that the two leaders have directed their relevant sector Ministers to ensure the full and expeditious implementation of the MoUs signed.

“The two leaders reviewed the state of peace and security in Africa and noted the need for a wholistic and concerted action in addressing threats to the peace and security of the region,” Nana Bediatuo Asante stated.

“The two leaders reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to cooperate at the levels of the African Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations (UN) and to deepen the shared values of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights” the secretary to the President further remarked.