Ghana has signed diplomatic communiques with Madagascar and St. Lucia and established an investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago. The agreements aim to enhance trade and economic cooperation while promoting intra-African trade. Minister Shirley Botchwey represented Ghana in these discussions, which also addressed her candidacy for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Ghana has officially established diplomatic relations with both Madagascar and St. Lucia through the signing of communiques at brief ceremonies held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Botchwey, represented Ghana in these proceedings, while her counterparts, Rasata Rafaravavitafika of Madagascar and Alva Baptiste of St. Lucia, signed for their respective nations. The discussions highlighted the potential benefits of intra-African trade, with Ms. Rafaravavitafika announcing Madagascar’s intention to join the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact next month, a significant development given Ghana’s status as an early signatory and host of the AfCFTA secretariat in Accra. Additionally, Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago mutually agreed on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, which aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. This agreement was signed by Minister Botchwey and Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Amery Browne. Dr. Browne expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “I’m delighted we could do this today,” to which Ms. Botchwey responded, “Indeed, it’s a great day,” as they exchanged documents. The agreement is anticipated to foster bilateral trade through the safeguarding of investor rights and the elimination of unlawful appropriation. Although the trade relationship between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago has been relatively limited, the presence of Republic Bank in Ghana signifies an expanding economic footprint. Furthermore, both ministers addressed the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled in Samoa, where Ms. Botchwey is viewed as a leading candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, succeeding Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica. Prior to these meetings, Ms. Botchwey also engaged in discussions with Lord Collins, the British Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Grenada’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Andall.
This recent development in Ghana’s foreign relations is significant in the context of increasing African collaboration and the fostering of economic ties within the region. The establishment of new diplomatic relationships with Madagascar and St. Lucia serves to enhance Ghana’s international presence and promote diplomatic engagement in the Caribbean. Additionally, the bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with Trinidad and Tobago reflects Ghana’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships and protecting investors’ rights, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment and enhancing trade.
In conclusion, Ghana’s establishment of diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia, along with the signing of a significant investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, marks a pivotal moment in advancing the country’s foreign relations and economic diplomacy. These agreements are expected to stimulate bilateral trade, foster growth in intra-Africa trade, particularly with Madagascar’s forthcoming participation in AfCFTA, and improve investor confidence in Ghana as an investment destination.
Original Source: www.peacefmonline.com
