Ghana has established diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia, signed an investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, and is actively promoting intra-Africa trade and foreign investment. Ms. Shirley Botchwey represented Ghana in these discussions during the UN General Assembly, where conversations also included preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Ghana officially established diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia through the signing of two key communiques. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Ms. Shirley Botchwey, was instrumental in this development, signing on behalf of Ghana alongside her counterparts: Ms. Rasata Rafaravavitafika of Madagascar and Mr. Alva Baptiste of St. Lucia. Discussions between Ms. Botchwey and Ms. Rafaravavitafika focused on enhancing intra-African trade, with Madagascar preparing to join the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) next month. Ghana was an early signatory to this significant trade agreement and proudly serves as the host for the AfCFTA secretariat in Accra. Furthermore, a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement was signed with Trinidad and Tobago by Ms. Botchwey and Dr. Amery Browne, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister. This Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment (ARPPI) aims to facilitate increased bilateral trade through mutual economic cooperation and safeguarding investors’ rights. Despite the current limited trade volume between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, the establishment of this agreement is anticipated to yield positive outcomes, especially given the presence of Republic Bank from Trinidad in the Ghanaian market. Additionally, discussions included the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to occur in four weeks in Samoa. Ms. Botchwey is currently regarded as a leading candidate for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General, succeeding Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica. She has also engaged in bilateral talks with Lord Collins, the British Under-Secretary of State from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Mr. Joseph Andall, the foreign minister of Grenada.
The recent establishment of diplomatic relations by Ghana with Madagascar and St. Lucia emphasizes Ghana’s commitment to fostering international relations and enhancing trade partnerships across regions. These developments occur against the backdrop of a global push for economic collaboration, particularly under the framework of the AfCFTA, which seeks to consolidate intra-Africa trade. Additionally, Ghana’s signing of the investment protection agreement with Trinidad and Tobago highlights a broader strategy to bolster economic ties and encourage foreign investments in Ghana’s burgeoning market. The ongoing discussions surrounding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting further underscore Ghana’s active role in international diplomacy, particularly in Commonwealth affairs.
In conclusion, the establishment of diplomatic ties between Ghana, Madagascar, and St. Lucia marks a significant step in fostering international relations and enhancing trade partnerships. The signed agreements, particularly with Trinidad and Tobago, are expected to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, with implications for investment protection and mutual growth. Moreover, Ghana’s active diplomatic engagements position it favorably in regional and international discussions, especially within the Commonwealth framework.
Original Source: www.modernghana.com
