Monday, 15 September

Gov't on benefits so far garnered from foreign policy reset, including improved value of Ghana passport

News
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel O. Ablakwa

Ghana’s foreign policy reset is gaining momentum, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reporting a series of high-level bilateral engagements that have yielded concrete economic and diplomatic benefits.

Presenting at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said these partnerships reflected President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of repositioning Ghana as a credible and respected global partner.

Expanding Global Mobility

Among the major achievements, Ghana has concluded and ratified visa waiver agreements with Morocco, Mozambique, Colombia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Dominica.

New agreements have also been reached with Serbia, Algeria, and Angola.

These waivers are expected to enhance the value of the Ghanaian passport and ease mobility for citizens.

Deepening Cooperation with Key Partners

The Ministry facilitated several high-level political consultations this year, including:

* Ghana–EU Partnership Dialogue in June, covering trade, climate action, and youth employment.

* Ghana–Qatar Consultations in April, where nine Memoranda of Understanding were discussed in health, tourism, and labour.

* Ghana–Kuwait Consultations in May, which advanced cooperation on labour exchange, seafaring, and maritime security.

* Consultations with Switzerland and the Netherlands, focusing on trade, women’s rights, human rights, and anti-corruption support.

Landmark State Visits

Two historic visits marked the period under review:

* India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in July 2025, the first in three decades, resulted in MoUs on cultural exchange, traditional medicine, and trade. Both sides pledged to double bilateral trade and expand cooperation in green energy, digital innovation, and healthcare.

* Japan (TICAD-9): President Mahama secured investment deals for infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialisation, including a Toyota expansion project, a space science agreement, and a US$100 million agriculture fund.

* Singapore: A state visit in August yielded US$1 billion in investments, including a five-star hotel project, Tema Port expansion, and a Central Bank collaboration on a common Africa–Asia payment platform.

China and Beyond

Partnership with China has expanded with a US$30 million grant for a modern market in Aflao, negotiations on electric vehicle assembly, and discussions on direct flights between Ghana and Chinese cities. Minister Ablakwa also highlighted deepened ties with Algeria, culminating in a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering defence, education, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Reset Diplomacy in Action

“These bilateral engagements reaffirm Ghana’s credibility as a trusted global partner while delivering tangible benefits in trade, education, infrastructure, and job creation,” Minister Ablakwa said.

He emphasised that each partnership is aligned with Ghana’s Reset Agenda, which prioritises inclusive development, fiscal responsibility, and global repositioning.

Source: classfmonline.com/Pearl Cindy Ollennu