Zimbabwe, Ghana to forge prosperity pact

Source: Zimbabwe, Ghana to forge prosperity pact – herald

Fungi Kwaramba in ACCRA, Ghana

ZIMBABWE and Ghana are moving beyond their shared history — shaped during the struggle for independence — towards a future of economic prosperity, driven by present collaborations across various economic sectors, President Mnangagwa has said.

The President is in Ghana, the home of Pan-Africanism and one of the continent’s largest economies, to enhance partnerships and broaden areas of collaboration for the benefit of Zimbabweans.

It is the inaugural State Visit by a Zimbabwean President and significant in that it comes a few days after Ghana moved a motion at the United Nations for the adoption of a Resolution condemning slavery, a position shared by Zimbabwe.

Posting on the micro-blogging platform X yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the two nations will elevate their ties from a shared liberation-rooted past to a shared future of economic prosperity.

“Zimbabwe and Ghana share a deep, liberation-rooted history. During this visit, we are moving beyond shared history towards a shared future of economic prosperity.

“Through the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), we will sign several strategic agreements in agriculture, trade and waste management to benefit both our nations.

“I look forward to our high-level talks at Peduase Lodge and visiting key industrial and heritage sites. Together, we are strengthening the bonds of South-South cooperation,” he said.

The President touched down at Accra International Airport yesterday, where he was received by his Ghanaian counterpart President John Dramani Mahama, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Ghana Kufa Chinoza, Ghanaian government ministers and international diplomats accredited to Ghana.

He was received with full military honours.

Upon arrival, President Mnangagwa inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces, followed by a 21-gun salute.

Last night, President Mnangagwa was also treated to a State banquet by his host, President Mahama.

Today, the two leaders are expected to hold detailed discussions with their delegations, aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, health, sanitation, the fight against corruption and tackling unemployment.

The talks will be followed by the signing and exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas of mutual interest.

During the State Visit, President Mnangagwa is also expected to tour the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC), a leading private specialty hospital in West Africa that has provided comprehensive cancer care and oncology services since 2011.

The facility offers modern diagnostic and treatment services to local and international patients.

Under President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s health sector is undergoing transformation, with facilities such as Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, being upgraded to provide specialist care.

Further, President Mnangagwa is expected to tour the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant, where he will receive briefings on Ghana’s progress in waste management. This will include exposure to environmental development models following progress under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, including the conversion of the former Pomona dumpsite in Harare, once a neglected and toxic hazard, into a modern waste-to-energy facility managed through Geo Pomona Waste Management (Private) Limited.

President Mnangagwa will also visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he will lay a wreath at the tomb of Ghana’s founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to become the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence from Britain in 1957.

He was also instrumental in establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which later changed to the African Union.

At least 10 MOUs will be signed today with a thrust of improving economic ties between the two countries.

The President is accompanied by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Attorney General Ms Virginia Mabiza, Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba and other senior Government officials.