President John Dramani Mahama has announced a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Zimbabwe, highlighting existing agreements as the foundation for expanded partnership.

Speaking during bilateral talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Peduase Lodge, President Mahama pointed to the General Cooperation Agreement signed in 2023 and the inaugural Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation as key frameworks guiding engagement between the two countries.

He said these initiatives reflect deliberate efforts to revitalise relations and translate long-standing diplomatic ties into practical outcomes that benefit both nations.

Welcoming the Zimbabwean delegation, President Mahama described the visit as a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship between Ghana and Zimbabwe, rooted in a shared history of liberation struggle and a collective commitment to African dignity and self-determination.

He noted that the meeting venue, established under Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, symbolises the Pan-African ideals that continue to shape relations between the two countries.

President Mahama further highlighted the legacy of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, whose historical and personal ties to Ghana strengthened the bond between the two nations.

He also referenced the longstanding visa-free travel arrangement as evidence of the trust and solidarity that have defined bilateral relations over the decades.

The President emphasised that the talks come at a critical time as Africa advances the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing Ghana’s commitment, as host of the Secretariat, to promoting intra-African trade and economic integration.

He pointed to the strategic positioning of Ghana within ECOWAS and Zimbabwe within SADC as an opportunity to strengthen economic linkages between West and Southern Africa.

President Mahama identified priority areas for collaboration, including mining, agriculture and energy. He called for responsible mining practices and increased value addition, while also noting Zimbabwe’s expertise in irrigation and climate-smart agriculture as beneficial to Ghana’s food security efforts.

He added that cooperation in renewable energy and power infrastructure would be critical in supporting industrial growth and economic transformation.

Beyond economic sectors, the President urged stronger collaboration in education, tourism, culture and sports to enhance people-to-people relations.

He welcomed discussions on potential tourism partnerships linking Cape Coast and Victoria Falls, and stressed the need to boost private sector engagement, including exploring direct air connectivity between Accra and Harare to facilitate trade, tourism and investment.

President Mahama expressed confidence that the bilateral meeting would review progress, address challenges and set a clear path for strengthening relations between the two countries.