Ghana and the Czech Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation during a high-level visit by Czech President Petr Pavel to the Jubilee House. The discussions, led by President John Mahama and his Czech counterpart, highlighted shared democratic values, expanded trade opportunities, and collaboration in healthcare, security, and climate change. Both leaders emphasized the need to increase trade volumes, which currently stand at $33 million — the second-highest in a decade for the Czech Republic in the region.
To further solidify this cooperation, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations, as well as a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which is expected to enhance connectivity and trade between the two countries. The two leaders expressed optimism that the agreements and discussions would translate into tangible benefits for both nations, with a focus on private sector engagement, infrastructure development and multilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic, trade relations
President Mahama underscored the longstanding ties between the two nations, dating back to 1961 when diplomatic missions were established. He noted that the relationship had been reinforced over the decades through high-level exchanges, including the opening of resident missions in their respective capitals.
He further urged private sector players from both nations to explore partnerships, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a market of over 1.3 billion people. President Mahama commended the Czech Republic for its support in Ghana’s healthcare sector, including the Vamed Health Projects, which involve the construction of 12 forty-bed hospitals and staff housing in beneficiary communities.
He also called for the revival of the stalled 50 Bridges project, affected by Ghana’s Debt Exchange Programme and proposed further cooperation on an additional 100 Bridges initiative. On regional security, President Mahama briefed his counterpart on ECOWAS and EU efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and unconstitutional governance in the Sahel and West Africa. He sought Czech’s support in addressing these challenges.
Mutual support
Both nations also acknowledged the urgent need for climate action, pledging to collaborate on renewable energy, sustainable mining, and land reclamation. Additionally, they discussed vocational training under Ghana’s Labour Export Programme, aimed at equipping youth with skills for international employment.
At the multilateral level, President Mahama called for Czech’s support for Ghana’s candidate, Ambassador Mohamed Adam, for the position of Secretary-General of the UN Tourism Organisation. In return, Ghana pledged to back the Czech Republic’s bid for a UN Security Council seat.
President Pavel, the first Czech head of state to visit Ghana in over 60 years, expressed gratitude for Ghana’s hospitality and described the country as a key partner in Africa. A business roundtable between Ghanaian and Czech entrepreneurs has been scheduled to take place, with President Pavel expressing optimism about expanding collaboration in agriculture, mining, health care and water purification.
He also announced the opening of a Czech Technology Hub in Ghana to facilitate knowledge exchange and investment opportunities. The Czech leader highlighted his country’s Medivac programme, which provides medical aid to vulnerable groups and facilitates knowledge transfer in health care.
He emphasised the importance of diversifying partnerships amid global geopolitical tensions, including pressures from Russia and economic shifts influenced by the US. “We believe in cooperation that creates added value and leaves lasting benefits in Ghana. “This visit marks a new phase in our relations and we are committed to making it even stronger,” President Pavel assured.
By: Kester Aburam Korankye
