The Fifth Session of the Ghana-Namibia Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) was convened to further bolster bilateral relations and cooperation in key areas for the socio-economic development of the two nations.
This landmark session was attended by high-level delegations from both countries, underscoring their commitment to a shared vision of progress and prosperity.
In her keynote address, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, emphasized the importance of maximizing the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She advocated for making African products globally preferred, which would require linking AfCFTA with other free trade agreements within the Commonwealth.
“This strategic integration aims to harness collective resources and capabilities, fostering an efficient market in trade and services, generating employment, and ensuring prosperity for all Africans.”
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey highlighted the strong partnership between Ghana and Namibia, reflecting a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and progress. She underscored the necessity of establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of the various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries.
The minister expressed confidence that such measures would facilitate tangible outcomes from their collaborative efforts.
The PJCC reaffirmed the commitment of Ghana and Namibia to cooperate in a wide range of sectors. These include Foreign Service Training, Agriculture, Mining, Health, Transport, and Energy.
Additionally, cooperation will extend to the arts, education, child protection, support for marginalized communities, youth development, sports, trade, justice, correctional services, peacekeeping, and regional/local government administration and development.
This broad spectrum of collaboration reflects the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship and its potential for significant socio-economic impact.
Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation
Leading the Ghanaian delegation was Hon. Botchwey, while the Namibian side was headed by Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Dr. Mushelenga emphasized the broader objectives of the PJCC within the context of the African Union’s founding principles of unity, decolonization, and economic emancipation.
“I am optimistic that the PJCC would serve as a foundation for achieving the vision of ‘The Africa We Want,’ and anticipate that the strengthened bilateral relations would enhance cooperation and promote people-to-people exchanges.”
Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
The two ministers expressed their desire to elevate the PJCC to a Bi-National Commission, to be co-chaired by the Presidents of Ghana and Namibia. This proposed elevation signifies a deepening of the strategic partnership and a commitment to high-level engagement in driving their shared goals.
A significant outcome of the PJCC was the signing of an MoU between the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and Namibia’s International Women’s Peace Centre. This MoU focuses on cooperation in technical capacity building, training, policy research, and analysis on Women, Peace and Security, as well as Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations.
The collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of both institutions to promote peace and security on the continent, with a particular focus on the role of women in these efforts.
As part of her working visit to Namibia, Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey also participated in the 9th edition of the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX). The expo was attended by the President of Namibia, H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, and the President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi.
This participation highlighted Ghana’s active engagement in regional trade events, promoting Ghanaian products and exploring new trade opportunities within the region.
The Fifth Session of the Ghana-Namibia PJCC marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries. Through enhanced cooperation and strategic partnerships, Ghana and Namibia are poised to drive socio-economic development, foster peace and security, and create a prosperous future for their citizens.
The outcomes of this session reflect a robust commitment to mutual growth and the realization of a united and economically emancipated Africa.
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