The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, has visited Ghana for the first time in history, seeking to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries. He met with the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, November 9, 2023.
The visit was part of the Czech Republic’s new strategy to increase its cooperation and activities in sub-Saharan Africa, where Ghana is one of its five most important trade partners. The two leaders discussed various areas of mutual interest, such as economic, defence and security, industry and air transport.
According to the Vice-President, Ghana welcomed the Czech Republic’s interest and support in the health, energy, agriculture and infrastructure development sectors. He also urged the Czech businesses to take advantage of the opportunities the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) offered and invest in Ghana, which he described as the most peaceful and stable country in West Africa.
The Prime Minister said his country was ready to share its expertise and technology with Ghana, especially in security cooperation, the fight against terrorism, cyber security, sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation. He also praised Ghana for promoting peace and democracy in the region and the world.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the health sector, which will facilitate the construction of 12 polyclinics in five regions of Ghana, funded by a 79 million euro loan from the Czech Republic. The project is expected to be completed by January 2024 and will improve access to healthcare services for millions of Ghanaians.
The Prime Minister and his delegation also interacted with their Ghanaian counterparts in the private sector and explored the potential for joint ventures and partnerships. They also visited some of the projects implemented by the Czech Republic in Ghana, such as the installation of 50 bridges and the donation of hospital beds to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The visit of the Prime Minister was seen as a milestone in the relations between Ghana and the Czech Republic, which dates back to 1959. The two countries have maintained diplomatic, trade and cultural ties over the years and cooperated in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the European Union.
The Vice-President expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister and his country for their friendship and solidarity with Ghana and hoped that the visit would open a new chapter of cooperation and partnership for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Source: Graphic Online
