Ghana, Namibia strengthen bilateral ties
Review of bilateral commitments
The fifth session of the Namibia-Ghana Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) is taking place in Swakopmund.
Namibia is hosting the fifth session of the Namibia-Ghana Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) from 2 to 4 July in Swakopmund.
The joint commission focuses on bilateral relations between Ghana and Namibia. The last JPPC session was held in Accra, Ghana, in 2022.
During the senior officials’ sessions on 2 July, the commission reviewed previous commitments and current challenges.
The implementation review of agreements formed during previous sessions underscored progress across sectors, including agriculture, energy, tourism and education. Commitments were renewed to connect the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to streamline economic activities and enhance regional integration.
Ambassador Penda Naanda, the executive director at the international relations and cooperation ministry, highlighted key points during the deliberation of the commission.
“In reviewing the implementation of the decisions agreed at the 4th Session in Accra, Ghana, in 2022, we have a large number of issues before us, including political and diplomatic, trade and investment, SME development, youth and sports, immigration, transport and maritime, agriculture and agri-business, ports management, mining, energy tourism, education and health, amongst others,” he said.
Discussions centred on mutual learning opportunities, with Namibia keen on adopting Ghana's experience in local content laws amidst its growing oil sector.
The 'December in Ghana' initiative also drew interest, showcasing Ghana's expertise in cultural tourism, a potential area of collaboration between the two nations.
Cultural exchanges were highlighted as integral to deepening understanding and appreciation between Ghana and Namibia.
Other sessions will include deliberations by various sub-committees on topics including political, diplomatic and legal matters, socio-economic and cultural, and economic and infrastructure.
The platform is aimed at allowing the exchange of innovative ideas, which will reinvigorate cooperation. According to Naanda, the significance of the JCC lies not in the number of agreements concluded but in their timely implementation to impact the lives and livelihoods of people.
“We should also look at elevating this JCC into the bi-national commission, to be co-chaired by our two heads of state. This will elevate the excellent relations that already exist between our two countries,” he said.
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The joint commission focuses on bilateral relations between Ghana and Namibia. The last JPPC session was held in Accra, Ghana, in 2022.
During the senior officials’ sessions on 2 July, the commission reviewed previous commitments and current challenges.
The implementation review of agreements formed during previous sessions underscored progress across sectors, including agriculture, energy, tourism and education. Commitments were renewed to connect the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to streamline economic activities and enhance regional integration.
Ambassador Penda Naanda, the executive director at the international relations and cooperation ministry, highlighted key points during the deliberation of the commission.
“In reviewing the implementation of the decisions agreed at the 4th Session in Accra, Ghana, in 2022, we have a large number of issues before us, including political and diplomatic, trade and investment, SME development, youth and sports, immigration, transport and maritime, agriculture and agri-business, ports management, mining, energy tourism, education and health, amongst others,” he said.
Discussions centred on mutual learning opportunities, with Namibia keen on adopting Ghana's experience in local content laws amidst its growing oil sector.
The 'December in Ghana' initiative also drew interest, showcasing Ghana's expertise in cultural tourism, a potential area of collaboration between the two nations.
Cultural exchanges were highlighted as integral to deepening understanding and appreciation between Ghana and Namibia.
Other sessions will include deliberations by various sub-committees on topics including political, diplomatic and legal matters, socio-economic and cultural, and economic and infrastructure.
The platform is aimed at allowing the exchange of innovative ideas, which will reinvigorate cooperation. According to Naanda, the significance of the JCC lies not in the number of agreements concluded but in their timely implementation to impact the lives and livelihoods of people.
“We should also look at elevating this JCC into the bi-national commission, to be co-chaired by our two heads of state. This will elevate the excellent relations that already exist between our two countries,” he said.
[email protected]
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