Ghana-Germany Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties, Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Ghana and Germany have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with a renewed commitment to deeper economic cooperation, regional security, and youth employment during a landmark meeting between President John Mahama and visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Accra.

The high-level talks, part of President Steinmeier’s three-day state visit to Ghana, mark a significant milestone in bilateral relations that stretch back to Ghana’s independence in 1957.

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership

President Mahama hailed Germany as a “steadfast and reliable partner,” citing decades of support through technical and financial cooperation in key sectors such as health, education, renewable energy, governance, and vocational training.

“Germany has remained a steadfast and reliable partner, supporting Ghana’s development through technical and financial cooperation in key sectors such as health, education, vocational and technical training, renewable energy, good governance and peacekeeping,” President Mahama said at a joint press conference on Monday.

He added that the visit comes at a crucial time as Ghana implements its “Resetting Ghana Agenda” aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive growth — noting that the country is already “making tangible progress.”

Trade and Investment Opportunities

Highlighting Ghana’s strategic location as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, President Mahama encouraged German businesses to leverage the 1.3 billion-person continental market through partnerships in Ghana.

“The AfCFTA offers unparalleled opportunities for German and other businesses to enter Africa’s expanding market, with Ghana positioned as the strategic gateway and partner,” he stated.

Both leaders identified renewable energy, green industrialization, digital transformation, and skills development as priority areas for future collaboration.

Labour Mobility Agreement in Sight

Discussions also focused on a proposed labour mobility agreement that would enable safe and structured employment pathways for young Ghanaian professionals in Germany.

The initiative, expected to be finalized soon, seeks to address skills shortages in Germany while creating new opportunities for Ghana’s trained workforce.

“We want our young people to gain valuable experience abroad and return to contribute to Ghana’s transformation,” President Mahama noted.

Addressing Regional Security Challenges

Security in the West African sub-region also featured prominently in the talks. President Mahama briefed President Steinmeier on Ghana’s efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the Sahel, including the appointment of a special envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States.

Ghana commended Germany’s leadership in hosting the upcoming 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin, following Ghana’s successful hosting of the 2023 edition in Accra.

Call for Global Governance Reform

On global issues, President Mahama reiterated Africa’s longstanding call for reform of the United Nations Security Council.

“Africa, with 54 countries and over 1.4 billion people, remains the only inhabited continent without a permanent seat on the Security Council. This historical injustice must be corrected,” he asserted, aligning with the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus demanding two permanent seats with veto power for Africa.

Building a Future-Focused Partnership

President Steinmeier’s itinerary includes engagements with young IT specialists in Accra and a visit to the Ashanti Region, underscoring the diverse scope of Ghana-Germany cooperation.

“This is not just a partnership between governments, but one involving our private sector, civil society, youth, researchers, and cultural institutions,” President Mahama added.

The visit underscores a deepening partnership rooted in mutual respect, democratic values, and sustainable development — signaling a new chapter in Ghana-Germany relations.

President Steinmeier’s delegation continues engagements in Ghana through Tuesday before concluding the historic state visit.