Ghana and Namibia have agreed to establish a Bi-National Commission (BNC), marking a significant step forward in their bilateral relations and upgrading their longstanding Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC).
The decision was formalized in Swakopmund, Namibia, where foreign ministers Shirley A. Botchwey of Ghana and Dr. Peya Mushelenga of Namibia signed a joint communique. The BNC will be chaired by the Heads of State of both countries, signalling a strategic shift towards deeper collaboration across various sectors.
“This elevation underscores the importance we place on our bilateral ties,” noted Minister Botchwey, highlighting the role of the BNC in providing clear directives to enhance cooperation initiatives.
Before the signing ceremony, Ghanaian and Namibian senior officials and technocrats engaged in three days of technical discussions, laying the groundwork for future joint endeavours.
Namibia, known for its mineral wealth and recent offshore oil discoveries, stands poised to become a major player in Africa’s energy sector. The country’s potential as an oil producer rivals that of Libya and Nigeria, positioning it prominently on the global energy map and shaping the future of the industry.
The BNC aims to foster collaboration in over eighteen sectors: energy, mining, agriculture, health, trade, education, and peacekeeping. Memorandums of Understanding were also inked between institutions such as the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre and the Namibian International Women’s Peace Centre, focusing on capacity building and policy research for peace support operations.
Additionally, discussions are underway to establish an air service agreement, facilitating direct flights between the two nations.
Both countries voiced concerns over ongoing conflicts in various parts of Africa and globally, advocating for peaceful resolutions and affirming support for Palestinian self-determination and a Two-State Solution.
Ghana and Namibia share a robust historical relationship dating back to Namibia’s struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa. During this pivotal time, Ghana provided significant support and hosted many Namibian students under scholarship programs, a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations.
Minister Botchwey further participated as a guest speaker at the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAITEX), underscoring the economic ties between the two nations.
The next meeting of the PJCC is scheduled to convene in two years, reflecting the unwavering commitment of both countries to sustain and deepen their cooperative efforts, ensuring a promising future for their bilateral relations.
Source:newsghana.com.gh