Accra: Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama and his visiting German counterpart President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday agreed to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral relations between their two nations. During an extensive bilateral discussion held at Ghana's Presidency in Accra, President Mahama and President Steinmeier reviewed the current state of Ghana-Germany relations with great satisfaction and identified new and expanded pathways for their collaboration.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama stated during a joint press briefing with President Steinmeier that they reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship between their two countries. These bonds are rooted in mutual respect, shared democratic values, human rights, the rule of law, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
President Steinmeier arrived in Accra on Sunday evening for a three-day state visit to Ghana. President Mahama emphasized that President Steinmeier's visit marked a significant milestone in the long-standing and exemplary relations between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to deepening cooperation, friendship, and solidarity for the mutual benefit of their people.
The Ghana-Germany relation spans several centuries and has grown steadily since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957. Germany has remained a reliable partner, supporting Ghana's development through technical and financial cooperation in key sectors such as health, education, vocational and technical training, renewable energy, good governance, and peacekeeping.
President Mahama highlighted the contributions of these interventions to institutional development, youth empowerment, and sustainable growth. He also briefed President Steinmeier on Ghana's current economic situation and the Resetting Ghana agenda, which aims to restore macroeconomic stability, foster inclusive and sustainable growth, tackle corruption, improve public financial management, and rebuild investor confidence.
President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the progress on the agenda and reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to creating an environment that attracts more German private sector investment. This is particularly relevant within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which offers opportunities for businesses to enter a market of over 1.3 billion people across the continent, with Ghana as the strategic gateway.
Discussions also covered Germany's forward-looking Africa strategy under the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, which focuses on sustainability, decent employment, gender equality, climate resilience, and peace and security. Specific opportunities for stronger collaboration have been identified in renewable energy, green industrialization, digital transformation, and skills development, aligning with global sustainability objectives.
Both sides expressed optimism about the upcoming agreement on labor mobility, which will enable well-structured employment opportunities for young Ghanaian professionals in Germany while addressing skills shortages in key German sectors. President Steinmeier reiterated Germany's commitment to its relations with Ghana and renewed support for the Accra Initiative, aimed at preventing terrorism spillover from the Sahel and addressing organized crime and violent extremism in border areas.