Ghana and Egypt will sign seven new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen bilateral cooperation. These agreements cover education, technology, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, and cultural heritage restoration. The initiatives aim to strengthen economic, educational, and technical ties between the two nations.
The Egyptian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Wael Fathy, announced the planned agreements. He spoke during the 74th National Day celebration of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Accra on July 24. These agreements form part of a broader agenda to enhance collaboration as the countries approach 70 years of diplomatic relations. The Ambassador also revealed plans to revive the Ghana-Egypt Joint Commission, which has not convened for three decades.
This renewed focus on bilateral cooperation aligns with Ghana's broader economic development goals. Strengthening ties with strategic partners like Egypt can unlock new investment opportunities and facilitate knowledge transfer. The agreements are expected to support Ghana's development agenda across several key sectors. This includes improving educational infrastructure and enhancing regulatory frameworks.
Mr. Fathy stated that the proposed agreements span strategic sectors. These sectors will support Ghana's development agenda and create opportunities for investment. They will also facilitate skills transfer and knowledge exchange. Egypt intends to collaborate on restoring Ghana's historic forts and castles. This will involve providing technical experts and helping access UNESCO funding. "We are preparing different MOUs between both [Ghana and Egypt]; around seven MOUs are under construction," Mr. Fathy explained. "We are going to help the Ghanaian government restore the old castles, or bring the experts from Egypt and the funds from UNESCO."
The implications of these agreements are significant for Ghana's economic landscape. Enhanced cooperation in technology and cybersecurity can boost Ghana's digital economy. Collaboration in pharmaceuticals will strengthen the Food and Drugs Authority's regulatory capacity. This could lead to safer and more accessible medicines. The revival of the Joint Commission will provide a structured platform for ongoing dialogue and problem-solving. This will ensure sustained progress in bilateral relations.
The two countries are also working on partnerships to introduce Egypt's successful Japanese school model to Ghana. They plan to establish a technology university in the country. Other agreements will focus on information technology and cybersecurity. Another will strengthen collaboration between Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority and its Egyptian counterpart. This aims to enhance pharmaceutical regulation and cooperation.
Bilateral economic relations continue to gather momentum. Approximately 50 Egyptian companies currently operate in Ghana. These companies span sectors including construction, mining, and pharmaceuticals. They have created employment opportunities and contributed to Ghana's economic growth through significant investments. "We have around 50 Egyptian companies investing in Ghana, creating jobs," Mr. Fathy noted. "We have factories bringing a lot of investments to this country."
Bilateral trade is also expanding, with Ghanaian cocoa products being exported to Egypt. The Egyptian Embassy continues to promote Ghana as an attractive investment destination for Egyptian businesses. Beyond bilateral relations, Egypt is committed to supporting Ghana's growing leadership role on the African continent. Egypt will host the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit and the first African Business Forum in October in El Alamein. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to participate. This event will provide Ghana with an opportunity to showcase its investment potential to African leaders and investors. This comes ahead of its expected leadership role within the African Union.
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to expanding cooperation with Egypt. He highlighted the fruitful collaboration in trade, agriculture, education, health, tourism, defence, capacity building, and multilateral diplomacy. Mr. Terlabi commended Egypt for providing training opportunities for Ghanaian public officials. He also praised Egyptian companies for their investments, which have contributed to industrialisation, employment creation, and skills transfer in Ghana.