Josiah
Ghana and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following the successful conclusion of the inaugural Ministerial Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), held in Accra on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The high-level meeting was co-chaired by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali. It followed a two-day technical session held from April 21 to 22, where experts from both countries laid the groundwork for discussions.
In his remarks, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the PJCC as a vital platform for translating the long-standing friendship between the two nations into concrete and impactful partnerships. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond dialogue to implementation, stressing the need for follow-up actions and accountability to ensure that decisions taken deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
He outlined key sectors for collaboration, including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, health, defence and security, tourism, and cultural exchange. According to him, these areas hold significant potential for job creation, economic growth, and shared prosperity. He also highlighted the history of cooperation between the two countries, particularly during periods of health emergencies and natural disasters.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone, Francess Piagie Alghali expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. She noted that the PJCC reflects the shared vision of both nations to transform historical ties into a modern partnership anchored in development and mutual support.
The meeting concluded with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding and one formal agreement covering key areas such as defence cooperation, electric power development, intelligence and security collaboration, cocoa sector development, political consultations, tourism, culture and creative arts, and health.
Senior government officials and technical experts from both countries participated in the discussions, exploring practical ways to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors. Both sides pledged to sustain regular engagement, monitor progress, and ensure the effective implementation of all agreed initiatives.
Observers view the inaugural PJCC as a significant milestone in relations between Ghana and Sierra Leone, marking the beginning of a new phase of strategic partnership aimed at advancing mutual development and regional cooperation.
Source: Omanghana.com
