KEY POINTS
- Ghana and the Czech Republic have pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing during the Czech-Ghana Business Forum held in Accra.
- President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s economic resilience, the launch of a 24-Hour Economic Policy, and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area as key drivers for Czech investment.
- Czech President Petr Pavel praised Ghana’s democratic and economic stability, emphasizing the importance of building stable partnerships in a turbulent global environment.
In a strategic move to elevate bilateral relations and expand economic collaboration, Ghana has declared its readiness to strengthen partnerships with the Czech Republic across key sectors such as trade, investment, technology, and industrial development.
The announcement was made by President John Dramani Mahama during the opening of the Czech-Ghana Business Forum held in Accra as part of a state visit by Czech President Petr Pavel.
Ghana Business News reports that the three-day visit by the Czech leader marks a new chapter in a historic relationship that dates back to October 8, 1959, when Ghana and the former Czechoslovak Socialist Republic formally established diplomatic ties. Over the decades, this relationship has matured, surviving global political transitions and emerging stronger through mutual respect and cooperation.
“In the decades since, our relations have evolved and deepened, weathering the storms of global geopolitical shifts, and emerging stronger with each passing year,” President Mahama noted during his address. “Today, we stand poised to elevate this relation to greater heights, transforming our historical bonds into dynamic economic partnerships in the 21st century.”
Forum sets stage for Ghana in innovation-driven partnerships
The Czech-Ghana Business Forum brought together an impressive array of business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both countries. Discussions during the forum focused on opportunities in agriculture, health, and water resource management—sectors critical to Ghana’s development goals and rich with potential for Czech expertise.
“The presence of so many distinguished business leaders and government officials at the Forum underscores the importance both countries attach to the strengthening of our economic and commercial ties,” Mahama said. He added that the gathering came at an opportune time, especially as both nations work to recover from global economic disruptions and leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Highlighting Ghana’s evolving economic landscape, President Mahama pointed to recent trade figures showing that in 2023, the Czech Republic exported goods worth $20.82 million to Ghana, while Ghana’s exports to the Czech Republic were valued at approximately $1.12 billion. Far from a cause for concern, he described this trade imbalance as “a compelling opportunity for growth, diversification, and mutual advancement.”
The Ghanaian leader also shared insights into the country’s 24-Hour Economic Policy—a visionary economic framework designed to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure round-the-clock utilization of infrastructure across key sectors. “This forward-looking policy aligns with the transformative objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he explained.
In particular, Mahama emphasized opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the automotive sector. “We readily welcome Czech expertise in machinery, automotive components, and advanced agro-processing technologies to help Ghana add substantial value to our abundant agricultural produce and create integrated supply chains that benefit both our economies,” he said.
He also highlighted Czech strengths in medical innovation and welcomed support in developing Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. “We earnestly welcome strategic partnerships to expand our healthcare infrastructure, enhance medical training programs, and develop our surgical manufacturing capacity,” Mahama said, referencing existing collaborations such as the Medivac programme and the Czech-backed Kpone Mini Hospital project.
President Petr Pavel, speaking at the forum, praised Ghana’s democratic stability and economic potential. “Ghana is not only a country designed with great economy and natural resources, but it also creates conditions for regional stability,” he said. “And that’s why it is a natural environment to create these little islands of stability and cooperation in a world that is increasingly unstable.”
He reiterated the Czech Republic’s commitment to deepening partnerships grounded in shared values. “In this world, we have a common interest to build on shared values, to build on partnerships, and to build on friendship,” Pavel added.
The event has been described by stakeholders as a turning point in Ghana-Czech relations, with the potential to foster deeper technological exchange, stimulate foreign direct investment, and boost Ghana’s position as a hub for regional trade in West Africa.
