The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reiterated the cooperation between Ghana and Belarus across strategic sectors.
Speaking at the Ghana Belarus Business Forum, the Minister welcomed dignitaries including, The President of Belarus, Director of State Protocol and President John Dramani Mahama alongside senior officials from both countries. The Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the presence of business leaders from Ghana and Belarus and described the forum as a platform for deepening economic collaboration.
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa noted that the forum comes at a significant moment following bilateral discussions between the two heads of state. The Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that Ghana has been identified as a priority partner for Belarus following the high level engagement.
The Foreign Minister further revealed that both countries have tasked their respective foreign ministries to coordinate a joint political committee. The Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that the committee will drive implementation of agreed priority areas including agriculture, education, defence cooperation and science and technology.
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa stressed that emergency services have also been added to the cooperation agenda following impressions from recent institutional visits. He stated that Ghana will work closely with Belarusian counterparts to translate commitments into practical outcomes across the identified sectors.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs drew attention to growing trade interests, particularly the popularity of Ghanaian cocoa within Belarus. Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa observed that agricultural exports such as cocoa, rubber and copper present opportunities for expanded trade relations between both countries.
“We are very excited about the Ghana-Belarus Business Forum because it is happening on the margins of a historic state visit. This is the first state visit of a President of Ghana to the Republic of Belarus, and we are all excited.”
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also highlighted cultural and structural similarities between both nations. He noted that Ghana and Belarus share a historic democratic transition in 1992 and observed symbolic parallels between their national flags as a basis to strengthen ties.
He also encouraged trade delegates to pursue new partnerships beyond traditional commodities. The Foreign Minister emphasised that innovation driven collaboration would define the next phase of Ghana Belarus relations across emerging sectors.
Joint Committees And Shared Priorities Set Stage for Cooperation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa introduced President John Dramani Mahama as a trusted partner of the business community during the Ghana Belarus Business Forum. Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa described the President as a leader committed to economic stability and investor confidence.
The Foreign Minister praised the President’s engagement with private sector actors and highlighted his consistent assurance to global investors. The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that all inherited contracts have been respected under the current administration which has strengthened trust in Ghana’s investment climate.
The Foreign Minister further explained that Ghana has navigated significant economic restructuring over the past 18 months. He referenced earlier fiscal challenges and indicated that disciplined management has contributed to recovery and renewed stability.
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa added that inflation levels have recorded significant decline compared to previous peaks. The Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the economy has shifted from double digit inflation to single digit levels which signals improved macroeconomic performance.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted Ghana’s exit from the IMF Extended Credit Facility as a key milestone. Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that this development reflects improved fiscal discipline and strengthened economic governance under current leadership.
Investor confidence was presented as a central outcome of recent reforms. The Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that sovereign credit rating assessments have improved and Ghana has moved out of junk status in international evaluations.
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasised that these gains have positioned Ghana to re-engage global capital markets. The Foreign Minister stated that stable governance and predictable policy direction continue to attract renewed international interest.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs further encouraged businesses at the forum to explore opportunities within Ghana’s expanding economy. Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded that sustained reforms and strategic partnerships will define the next phase of national economic growth.
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