President Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to stronger ties with the Czech Republic during the state visit of Petr Pavel. The Czech President, Petr Pavel, is on a three-day state visit to Ghana aimed at deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
President Mahama welcomed Petr Pavel and his high-level delegation, describing the visit as another milestone in Ghana-Czech Republic relations. He noted that Ghana and the Czech Republic have enjoyed cordial relations since 1961 when both countries opened diplomatic missions.
According to President Mahama, both countries share democratic values, respect for human rights, and good governance practices. He emphasized that these shared principles will foster fruitful dialogue and promote mutual understanding.
MOUs to Boost Bilateral Cooperation
During their bilateral discussions, President Mahama and Petr Pavel signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation. They also signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, commonly referred to as an Air Transport Agreement.
President Mahama expressed optimism that the implementation of these MOUs will “reinvigorate and spearhead cooperation in various sectors between our two countries.”
He urged the private sector of Ghana and the Czech Republic to explore opportunities for cooperation in different areas of the Ghanaian economy. He highlighted the need to boost trade and investment between the two countries, noting the untapped potential.
“Through trade and investment, this can serve as a bedrock of our economic relations, and more could be done to increase the low levels of trade between our two countries,” President Mahama said.
They are expected to participate in a business roundtable between Ghanaian and Czech businessmen, which President Mahama said would foster closer economic ties.
President Mahama encouraged Petr Pavel to consider the African market, with its population of over 1.3 billion people, as a major opportunity for Czech businesses. He invited the Czech business community to partner with Ghanaian counterparts to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
At the multilateral level, President Mahama praised the long-standing cooperation between Ghana and the Czech Republic at international forums, especially the United Nations. He urged Petr Pavel to support Ghana’s candidature of Ambassador Mohamed Adam for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization.
In return, President Mahama pledged Ghana’s support for the Czech Republic’s bid for membership on the UN Security Council.
“I assured President Petr Pavel of my confidence in Ambassador Adam’s ability to lead and cooperate with his colleagues to bring on board a strategic vision for the UN Tourism Organization,” President Mahama said.
Petr Pavel Applauded for Support to Ghana’s Health Sector
President Mahama commended Petr Pavel and the Government of the Czech Republic for their contributions to Ghana’s health sector. He highlighted the support through some health projects, such as, the construction of 12 forty-bed capacity hospitals and 12 units of two-bedroom semi-detached houses for hospital staff in some communities in Ghana.
Mahama also noted that it was the cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Defense Industries Holding Company, DHOC, that led to the revamping of the Kumasi shoe factory. He said they discussed the possibility of further cooperation between DHOC and the Czech private sector to go into more industries for mutual benefit.
President Mahama further called for the two countries to explore ways to revive the 50 Bridges Program. Petr Pavel’s visit, according to President Mahama, reflects the enduring partnership between Ghana and the Czech Republic, built on mutual respect, shared values, and the desire for greater collaboration.
