Swakopmund, Namibia, July 7 – Ghana and Namibia have taken their longstanding partnership to a new level with the establishment of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) co-chaired by their presidents. This move replaces the existing Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), signifying a stronger commitment to collaboration for mutual prosperity.
“This elevates our cooperation to the highest level,” declared Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. “Our Heads of State will now directly guide our cooperation efforts.” The communique establishing the BNC was signed in Swakopmund, Namibia, following three days of discussions between senior officials from both countries.
Areas of potential collaboration include energy, mining, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and education. Ghana and Namibia also expressed interest in cooperating on peacekeeping, foreign service training, local governance, sports, and cultural exchange.
The announcement comes amidst Namibia’s significant oil discoveries, potentially placing them as Africa’s third-largest oil producer. This resource wealth creates exciting opportunities for joint ventures between the two nations.
The BNC replaces a partnership dating back decades. Ghana provided crucial support to Namibia’s fight for independence, offering scholarships and hosting Namibian students. This history of solidarity forms a strong foundation for the future.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the joint communique highlights the shared concerns of Ghana and Namibia regarding ongoing conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. They called for peaceful resolutions and reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
