Plans are in motion to establish a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Zimbabwe and Ghana, marking a step toward bolstering ties between the two nations.
According to Herald -This was revealed by Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, following her participation in the inauguration of Ghana’s President, John Mahama, earlier this week.
“We greatly value the visit by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, last year during the launch of the African Import-Export Bank conference in Ghana,” Muchinguri-Kashiri noted. “During the conference, President Mnangagwa held discussions that culminated in an agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.”
She highlighted that the discussions focused on several areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, gender equality, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
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“Draft Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were developed in Zimbabwe and shared with Ghanaian authorities. We are optimistic that this year will witness the inaugural session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation,” she added.
The minister also reflected on the historical ties between Zimbabwe and Ghana, emphasizing their shared values and history.
“As a nation, it is important to acknowledge the commonalities we share with Ghana. Under the leadership of the late pan-African icon, Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. Nkrumah’s efforts inspired many African nations, including Zimbabwe, in their quest for liberation,” she explained.
Muchinguri-Kashiri praised Ghana’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, noting that several freedom fighters, including Comrade Ndangana, received training in Ghana. She also acknowledged Ghana’s continued contribution to Zimbabwe’s development through training opportunities for pilots and educational scholarships.
The swearing-in ceremony of President Mahama was attended by numerous African leaders, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Kenya’s William Ruto, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
