Ghana and Germany have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, with Germany pledging an estimated €65 million in development cooperation for this year, subject to the approval of the German Parliament.
The commitment was announced by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during a joint press briefing with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.
The German leader’s three-day state visit, described by both presidents as a “significant milestone”, focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, renewable energy, vocational training and regional security.
Renewed partnership
Addressing the media, President Mahama expressed great satisfaction with the current state of Ghana-Germany relations, which, he said, had flourished since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957.
“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.
He also briefed his German counterpart on Ghana’s economic recovery efforts under the “Resetting Ghana” agenda, reaffirming the country’s dedication to creating an enabling environment to attract more German private sector investments, particularly with Ghana positioned as the strategic gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Echoing these sentiments, President Steinmeier highlighted the robust trade relationship between the two countries, which saw a high trade volume in the previous year.
“With an almost balanced trade relationship, we have agreed to continue expanding this trade and make better use of investment opportunities,” President Steinmeier said, mentioning that he was accompanied by a high-powered business delegation from sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and high technology.
He described Ghana as “an attractive business location and an important hub for the region”, citing the country’s educated population, use of English, and minimal time difference with Europe as ideal conditions for investment.
A key outcome of the talks was the optimism surrounding an upcoming agreement on labour mobility, which is expected to create structured employment opportunities for young Ghanaian professionals in Germany while addressing skills shortages in key German sectors.
On regional issues, the two leaders held open discussions on the growing threats of terrorism and political instability in the Sahel region.
President Mahama commended Germany’s “steadfast and principled support” for regional peace, and detailed Ghana’s proactive diplomatic engagements, including the appointment of a Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States.
Both leaders also underscored their commitment to multilateralism.
President Mahama voiced deep concern over actions that jeopardised the rule-based international order, and called for collective action to tackle global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.
He reiterated Africa’s legitimate demand for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, stating: “This historical injustice must be corrected”.
In this regard, he commended Germany for its consistent support for the UN Security Council’s reform and Africa’s rightful place at the table.
Substantial outcomes
The visit, which President Steinmeier described as substantive, also solidified plans for regular high-level political consultations on bilateral, regional, and international issues.
The German President’s itinerary includes a visit to Kumasi today, where he will cut the sod for the expansion of a vocational training centre and visit the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine.
A new nursing school near Kumasi, funded by Germany, is also set to begin training 200 highly skilled nurses annually for Ghana’s healthcare system from next year.
President Mahama, on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, extended warm gratitude to President Steinmeier and the people of Germany for their “enduring friendship and solidarity with Ghana and Africa”.
