Ghana and Seychelles have pledged to deepen their bilateral relations, with both countries emphasizing collaboration in key areas such as trade, tourism, education, environmental conservation, and maritime security.

This commitment follows the historic visit by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan to Ghana, where they two leaders discussed strategies to enhance cooperation and promote mutual growth.

During their talks at the Jubilee House, Accra, on Thursday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President Ramkalawan agreed to explore new avenues for collaboration, with a strong focus on boosting trade, fostering cultural exchanges, and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.

Both nations also acknowledged the importance of maritime security, particularly in tackling issues such as illegal fishing and piracy and expressed their determination to work together to safeguard African waters.

The partnership is poised to offer significant benefits, with Ghana’s role as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and Seychelles’ leadership in sustainable tourism and ocean conservation serving as key pillars for future cooperation.

President Akufo-Addo said the Seychellois President’s visit underscored the growing ties between the two nations.

“This occasion underscores the strong ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two nations, united not only by our shared values but also by our aspirations for freedom, democracy, development, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

The President expressed his confidence in the potential of the partnership to bring mutual benefits.

“Both Ghana and Seychelles are committed to fostering inclusive economic growth, and I believe our partnership holds immense potential for mutually beneficial trade and investment,” he remarked.

President Akufo-Addo noted that Ghana, as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, was eager to collaborate with Seychelles to enhance intra-African trade.

He also highlighted the growing importance of both nations in key sectors: Ghana as a hub for technology and manufacturing in West Africa, and Seychelles as a leader in high-value tourism and ecological preservation.

Both leaders also discussed the urgency of addressing climate change, with President Akufo-Addo praising Seychelles for its leadership in ocean conservation and maritime biodiversity preservation.

“Seychelles’ leadership in ocean conservation serves as an inspiration to the rest of Africa,” President Akufo-Addo said, adding that Ghana was eager to learn from Seychelles’ expertise to strengthen its own environmental initiatives.

In addition to environmental and trade cooperation, the two Presidents also explored opportunities to collaborate on maritime security.

As both nations are maritime states, they face shared concerns over illegal fishing, piracy, and drug trafficking.

The bilateral discussions emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to ensure the safety and sustainability of African waters.

A key outcome of the discussions was the agreement to enhance cultural and educational exchanges.

President Akufo-Addo announced plans to ease travel restrictions between the two countries by exploring mechanisms to facilitate visa requirements.

This initiative is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural interaction.

Furthermore, the leaders agreed to promote exchange programmes between universities and technical institutions in both nations, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the skills necessary for the future.

President Akufo-Addo also reflected on the historical significance of the relationship, particularly noting the poignant legacy of key Ghanaian figures, such as King Prempeh I and Nana Yaa Asantewaa, who were exiled to Seychelles during the colonial era.

He said that their time in Seychelles marked a crucial chapter in the shared heritage of both countries.

“Their legacy inspires our nations to deepen our bonds, forge closer collaboration, and work together to build a brighter future for our peoples,” he said.

The President reiterated Ghana’s commitment to a lasting partnership with Seychelles, noting that the visit marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation.

He expressed confidence that the strengthened relationship would contribute to the overall development of both countries and the African continent.

“This visit dignifies the deep respect and friendship between our two nations, and I am confident that the discussions we’ve had today will yield tangible benefits for our peoples,” President Akufo-Addo concluded.

President Ramkalawan, for his part, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to deepening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

“The accolade that we received truly marks the friendship that exists not only between us as leaders but also between our two peoples,” Ramkalawan stated.

President Ramkalawan also underscored the various avenues for deeper cooperation, particularly in tourism, maritime collaboration, and sports.

He praised the recent strides both nations have made, noting that while Seychelles ranked first on the Mo Ibrahim Index this year, Ghana excelled in West Africa, further solidifying their shared values and commitment to development.

President Ramkalawan also congratulated Ghana on its recent acceptance into La Francophonie, adding that the membership reflects the countries’ shared global vision.

Both Seychelles and Ghana are also members of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

The Seychelles President expressed his support for Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Mrs. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in her bid for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, reaffirming Seychelles’ commitment to the Commonwealth’s continued role in serving all member states, especially considering new leadership from Africa.

In a personal reflection, President Ramkalawan remarked on the historical connection between the two countries, referencing the centenary of King Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles to Kumasi, Ghana.

He noted that King Prempeh’s journey was symbolic of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

“I am deeply honored to be the first Seychelles Head of State to pay an official visit to Ghana,” President Ramkalawan remarked.

He also shared plans to transform the chapel where King Prempeh I was baptized into a museum in Seychelles to preserve the historical link between the two countries.

President Ramkalawan expressed hope for increased people-to-people exchanges, noting that he had met Ghanaians living in Seychelles and children with dual nationality.

“I look forward to seeing more Seychelles citizens visit Ghana and experience the wonderful hospitality here,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Seychelles and Ghana, saying, “Let the friendship between our two nations continue to flourish and continue to grow.”