Ghana has called for renewed cooperation and deeper economic integration among developing countries at the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The country’s delegation to the summit, which took place from March 27 to 29 under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World,” was led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson.

Addressing the high-level gathering, the Deputy Minister stressed that shifts in the global landscape require a more responsive and strategically aligned OACPS to advance the collective interests of its member states.

He emphasised the need to strengthen South-South cooperation through practical measures aimed at boosting trade, investment, and productivity across the bloc.

Among the proposals outlined by Ghana were increased joint investments in maritime and air transport to improve connectivity and facilitate trade, as well as the institutionalisation of regular meetings among Ministers of Trade and Finance to drive coordinated economic decisions.

Mr Quayson also advocated stronger collaboration among entrepreneurs within member states to unlock investment opportunities, drawing on successful industrial models that have transformed value chains in other regions.

He further highlighted the importance of labour mobility across OACPS countries to address skills gaps and enhance productivity, alongside joint investments to maximise the value of natural resources and promote shared economic benefits.

The Deputy Minister additionally proposed the exploration of an alliance of developing countries focused on raw materials, aimed at strengthening collective bargaining power and promoting value addition in global supply chains.

He maintained that closer collaboration among member states would help build a more integrated, resilient, and economically empowered OACPS capable of navigating an increasingly dynamic global environment.