By Brain Akutei-Azu Mateko
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has highlighted the key benefits of President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, describing it as a major boost to bilateral relations under a new Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries.
In a post shared on Monday, the Foreign Minister said the visit delivered wide-ranging agreements that will strengthen travel, trade, jobs, defence, energy, aviation, and cultural exchange between Ghana and Zambia.
One of the major outcomes is a Pan-African visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days. The partnership also secured fintech contracts worth over $50 million for Ghanaian and Zambian companies, expected to create around 8,000 jobs in the short term.
The two countries reached agreements on natural resource management, focusing on value addition and environmentally friendly practices, as well as a defence cooperation deal to deepen collaboration between their armed forces.
As part of technical cooperation, Ghana will support Zambia in setting up a Minerals Commission and Goldbod, while Zambia will assist Ghana in solar energy regulation and improved seedling production.
The partnership further includes plans to establish new trade corridors, positioning both countries as hubs for West and Southern African markets, and to standardize product certification to ease trade between them.
In the aviation sector, Ghana and Zambia signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for stronger cooperation and direct flights between the two countries.
On the cultural front, Ghana will host a Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition in Zambia next month, following strong interest in Ghanaian traditional wear and President Hakainde Hichilema’s public desire to place orders.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the agreements build on the historic Nkrumah–Kaunda friendship, adding that Ghana–Zambia relations continue to grow stronger, more strategic, and mutually beneficial.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com