Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Elena Márquez Mina, has underscored Ghana’s importance in Colombia’s renewed effort to reconnect with global markets through strategic trade partnerships anchored in shared history and culture. She said Ghana occupies a unique place in Colombia’s outreach to Africa, given the long-standing historical links between the two countries.
Vice President Márquez Mina explained that Colombia is keen to deepen trade relations with Ghana by strengthening cooperation at the port level, a move she believes will improve livelihoods and create new economic opportunities in both countries. She made these remarks while leading a high-level business delegation to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to explore investment opportunities and advance bilateral commercial ties.
The visit focused on identifying areas of mutual business interest while laying the groundwork for stronger economic collaboration. According to the Vice President, efficient and well-coordinated ports play a central role in national development, making closer collaboration between Colombian and Ghanaian ports essential for shared growth and prosperity.
She revealed that Colombia is interested in exporting goods to Ghana and establishing a direct maritime route between the two countries, noting that such a route is geographically feasible through one of Colombia’s major ports. To formalise cooperation, she proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ports of both nations. She also announced that Colombia will host an African Trade Forum in March 2026 and formally invited the GPHA to participate.
Receiving the delegation, Tebon Zumah, Director of the Port of Tema, welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed the importance of efficient port infrastructure to international trade. He highlighted Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and expressed support for exchange programmes to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building.
