President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, is in Ghana on a six-day working visit.
He was accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan. The visit coincides with the 100th Anniversary celebrations of Asantehene, Nana Prempeh’s return from exile in the Seychelles, underscoring historical ties between the two nations.
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who received the visiting head of state at the foyer of the Jubilee House, underscored the importance of the relations between the two countries. The two leaders held bilateral talks where an MOU on tourism and culture was signed.
This visit is regarded as an affirmation of the mutual determination to deepen bilateral relations in areas of common interest, namely trade, tourism, environmental compensation, education, and maritime security. The two leaders explored avenues for collaboration that will enhance the well-being of its peoples and contribute to the overall development of both nations.
President Akufo-Addo was pleased that the bilateral discussions have paved the way for increased cooperation in education, cultural exchange, tourism, and sustainable development. The two nations are aware of the urgent need to address climate change and preserve the environment for future generations. Ghana and the Seychelles have both championed global efforts to combat the existing existential threats posed by rising sea levels, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
President Akufo-Addo disclosed that both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in environmental conservation and climate resilience.
As maritime nations, Ghana and the Syechelles are deeply invested in the security and sustainability of Africa’s waters. The two leaders discussed the need to establish a formal partnership to share best practices and resources to combat these threats.
“We’re taking concrete steps to facilitate travel and exchange between Ghana and Seychelles by exploring mechanisms to ease visa requirements. This will enhance tourism, business, and cultural interaction between our citizens. Moreover, I’m excited about our commitment to educational collaboration,” President Akufo-Addo added.
By promoting exchange programs between universities and technical institutions, President Akufo-Addo noted that this will ensure that the youth of Ghana and Seychelles are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this 21st century.
“Our discussions have also reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ghana and Seychelles. To African unity, it’s envisaged by the first generation of leaders of our continent.”
In this era of globalisation, President Akufo-Addo proposed working together to address challenges and leverage opportunities that will elevate the African continent on the global stage. “The African Union’s Agenda 2063 provides a clear blueprint for the transformation of Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. Ghana and the Seychelles will continue to collaborate with other African nations to achieve this vision with a focus on promoting good governance, sustainable development, and equitable growth,” the President noted.
President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles expressed appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for the warm reception since his arrival on Wednesday.
He mentioned the support the Seychelles offered during the nomination of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in her bid to become the Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
Through that support, President Ramkalawan intimated that Ghana could depend on the Seychelles not because the two countries would work closer together but because it will ensure that the Commonwealth continues to be a body which takes care of all countries.
He is expected in Manyhia for the 100th anniversary of Asantehene, Nana Prempeh return from the Seychelles. An Anglican Priest, President Ramkalawan, will be preaching at the St. Cyprian Anglican Cathedral at Fantse New Town in Kumasi on Sunday.
