Ghana, a country located in West Africa, has been a destination for diplomatic visits from heads of government around the world in recent years. These visits have helped to strengthen bilateral relations, promote economic cooperation, and foster cultural exchanges between Ghana and other countries. In this article, we will take a closer look at 10 recent heads of government who have visited Ghana and what they said during their visits. These include Vice President Kamala Harris of U.S, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau; South Korea’s Prime Minister, Han Duck-Soo; Prime Minister of Denmark, Her Excellency Mrs. Mette Frederiksen; Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; Her Excellency Epsy Campbell Barr, the Vice President of Costa Rica; Mozambican President, Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi; President of Cote D’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara; and, The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Vice President Of U.S
Vice President Kamala Harris of U.S and the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo – Addo
During Vice President Harris visit to Ghana in March 2023, she announced new U.S. initiatives to support economic growth, food security, and regional security in Africa, including $100 million in aid to combat extremism. She also unveiled a $1 billion global initiative to empower women entrepreneurs in Africa. Vice President Harris emphasized the strong connections between Ghana and the United States, Africa’s potential in shaping the world’s future, and her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights as human right activist. Her visit highlighted the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and mutual cooperation for progress in the region.
The President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,
President of Guinea – Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló addressing the nation Ghana at its 66th independence anniversary
The President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló during Ghana’s 66th Independence Day celebration acknowledged Ghana’s independence as the catalyst for Africa’s liberation. He expressed gratitude for Ghana’s support during Guinea-Bissau’s struggle for independence, and emphasized the importance of remembering Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s founding fathers. He wished Ghana prosperity, progress, and happiness as the country continues to strive for peace, political stability, and development.
South Korea’s Prime Minister
South Korean Prime Minister, Han Duck-Soo together with The President and Vice President of Ghana
In December 2022, South Korea’s Prime Minister, Han Duck-Soo, made a visit to Ghana to hold discussions with Ghana’s leaders. The focus of their meetings was on reinforcing cooperation and fostering stronger bonds of friendship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister of Denmark
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Her Excellency Mrs. Mette Frederiksen and The President of Ghana
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Her Excellency Mrs. Mette Frederiksen, led a 15-member delegation on an official visit to Ghana to commemorate sixty years of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2021. During the visit, discussions were held on various bilateral and global issues, including maritime security, trade, and upcoming summits. Several agreements were signed, including a Letter of Intent on Zero Emissions in Shipping and a Letter of Intent on Green Umbrella Water Solutions for Danish Projects, highlighting the commitment to environmental sustainability and cooperation between Ghana and Denmark.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley praises Ghana’s democratic achievements, highlighting their leadership in gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1957. Speaking at Ghana’s 65th independence day celebration in Cape Coast, Mottley emphasizes the need to protect the principles of democracy as outlined in the constitution. She calls for solidarity in facing challenges such as the climate crisis and threats to elected governments, stressing the importance of upholding democratic values enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Vice President of Costa Rica
The Vice President of Costa Rica, Epsy Campbell Barr and The Vice President Of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia
H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr, the Vice President of Costa Rica, visited Ghana in 2022 to participate in a high-level forum focused on advancing the rights of People of African Descent in anticipation of the International Day for People of African Descent. Her visit, known as The Return Mission, holds global significance as it aims to promote equity, inclusion, and well-being for People of African Descent. During her visit, H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr expressed her government’s commitment to collaborate with Ghana and the United Nations in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to advocate for the rights of People of African Descent, especially girls and women, and to promote culture and history.
Mozambican President
Mozambican President, Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, called for increased trade opportunities and closer relations between Mozambican President, and Mozambique for economic and political benefits. President Nyusi expressed his concerns about the low level of trade between the two countries during his address to Ghana’s Parliament in 2022 as part of his four-day visit to the country. He also acknowledged the foundational role played by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in achieving political and economic independence for African countries, including Mozambique, and highlighted the positive impact of Nkrumah’s ideals on the early development of African nations.
President of Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara
During President Ouattara’s visit to Ghana in March 2021, bilateral talks focused on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, security, and regional integration. Both leaders emphasized the importance of boosting trade volumes and streamlining trade procedures, while also addressing transnational crime and terrorism challenges through joint efforts. Regional integration, including progress in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), was highlighted as crucial for economic growth
President of South Africa
THE PRESIDENT OF GHANA AND SOUTH AFRICA
President Ramaphosa embarked on a State Visit to Ghana on December 4th to 5th, 2021. During the visit, President Ramaphosa delivered a speech at the Ghana-South Africa Business Forum, where he emphasized the need to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries. He specifically highlighted Ghana’s key sectors, including roads and railways, infrastructure, mining, energy, manufacturing, and agro-processing, as potential areas for mutual benefit and collaboration.
Ghana has been a destination for several heads of government in recent years, highlighting the country’s importance as a stable and democratic country in West Africa. During their visits, these leaders have emphasized the need for increased cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, economic development, and cultural exchanges. They have also discussed regional and global issues such as terrorism, gender equality, and human rights, and pledged their countries’ support for Ghana’s efforts in addressing these challenges.
