Ghana and Colombia have entered into a landmark agreement to establish a direct maritime shipping route between the Port of Tema and the Port of Cartagena, a move expected to enhance trade between Africa and Latin America.

The agreement was announced by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following successful negotiations in Bogotá on Monday, March 23.

It marks a significant step towards strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions.

The new shipping corridor is designed to streamline trade by improving logistics, reducing transit time, and opening up fresh business opportunities for exporters and importers on both sides of the Atlantic.

The initiative received strong support from Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Elena Márquez Mina, whose role was described as pivotal in advancing the partnership.

Ghana also commended Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, for her commitment and leadership in bringing the agreement to fruition.

Officials noted the broader significance of the deal, highlighting how the Atlantic Ocean—once a route of human suffering during the transatlantic slave trade—is now being reimagined as a channel for economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity between continents.