Ghana has forged new diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia, while also signing a significant bilateral investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, solidifying its growing global presence.

The diplomatic relations were formalised on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where Foreign Minister, Shirley Botchwey, signed communiques with her Malagasy and St. Lucian counterparts, Rasata Rafaravavitafika and Alva Baptiste, respectively.

These agreements mark the beginning of deeper cooperation between Ghana and these nations.

Ms Rafaravavitafika highlighted Madagascar's plans to join the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact next month, further strengthening ties within the continent.

Ghana, an early signatory of the AfCFTA, also hosts the secretariat of the agreement in its capital, Accra.

In a separate event, Ms Botchwey and Dr Amery Browne, the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, signed the Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment (ARPPI).

The deal is expected to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, safeguarding investors’ rights and preventing unlawful expropriation.

“I’m delighted we could do this today,” said Dr Browne after signing the agreement, to which Ms Botchwey responded, “Indeed, it’s a great day,” as they exchanged documents in a show of mutual goodwill.

Though trade between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago remains limited, the partnership is expected to strengthen, with Republic Bank—one of Trinidad’s largest financial institutions—already having a growing presence in Ghana.

Ms Botchwey also engaged in discussions on various global matters, including the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, where she is a leading candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, a prestigious role currently held by Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica.

Additionally, she held bilateral talks with Lord Collins, British Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and Grenada's Foreign Minister, Joseph Andall, further expanding Ghana’s diplomatic footprint.