Ghana and Sierra Leone have renewed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties following the successful conclusion of the maiden Ministerial Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), held in Accra on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The high-level meeting, co-chaired by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali, followed a two-day Technical Session from April 21 to 22.
In his address, Mr. Ablakwa described the PJCC as a vital framework for transforming the historic friendship between the two nations into practical partnerships that drive economic growth and improve citizens’ welfare. He emphasised the importance of implementation, follow-up, and accountability to ensure that decisions taken yield tangible benefits.
The Minister identified trade and investment, agriculture, energy, health, defence and security, tourism, and cultural exchange as priority areas with strong potential for job creation, economic expansion, and shared prosperity. He also recalled past cooperation between Ghana and Sierra Leone during health emergencies and natural disasters, underscoring the enduring solidarity between the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Alghali thanked the Government and people of Ghana for the warm reception given to her delegation. She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to deepen cooperation and said the PJCC represents the common vision of both countries’ leadership to convert longstanding ties into a modern partnership driven by solidarity and development.
The session ended with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding and one formal agreement covering key sectors of cooperation. These include defence and military cooperation, electric power development and management, intelligence and security collaboration, cocoa sector development, political consultations, tourism, culture and creative arts, as well as health cooperation.
Senior government officials and technical experts from both countries participated in the discussions, focusing on ways to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides pledged to maintain regular engagement, monitor progress and ensure the full implementation of all agreed initiatives.
Observers say the inaugural PJCC marks a major milestone in relations between Ghana and Sierra Leone and could open a new era of strategic partnership between the two West African nations.
Source: Metro Newsroom
