President John Mahama has called for deeper cooperation between Ghana and Zimbabwe across key sectors, including trade, mining, agriculture, and energy, as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties and regional integration.

He made the remarks during bilateral talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday, April 2, as part of ongoing engagements to boost relations between the two countries.

President Mahama said recent efforts have been made to renew and expand cooperation. “In recent years, we’ve taken deliberate steps to revitalise and deepen our cooperation,” he noted, pointing to the general cooperation agreement signed in 2023.

He also highlighted Ghana’s role in continental trade, adding that “the successful convening of the inaugural permanent secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area remains committed to promoting economic integration.”

According to him, the positions of both countries within their respective regional blocs create an opportunity for broader collaboration across Africa.

“Ghana’s strategic position within ECOWAS and Zimbabwe within SADC presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the linkages between West and Southern Africa,” he said.

The President identified several priority areas for joint action, beginning with the mining sector. He said the need for both countries to ensure their natural resources bring greater benefits to their economies.

“In the mining sector, both our countries are richly endowed with natural resources. We must work together to promote responsible mining practices and, importantly, enhance value addition and beneficiation so that Africa retains a greater share of the wealth derived from our natural resources,” he said.

On agriculture, President Mahama said Ghana could learn from Zimbabwe’s experience, especially in adapting to climate challenges.

“Zimbabwe’s experience in irrigation and climate-smart agriculture offers valuable lessons for Ghana as we continue efforts to strengthen our food security and modernise our agricultural sector,” he stated.

He also pointed to energy as a key area for cooperation, particularly in supporting industrial growth.

“Energy remains central to our development ambitions. There is significant scope for cooperation in renewable energy and power infrastructure to support industrialisation and economic transformation,” he said.

Beyond these sectors, President Mahama called for stronger collaboration in areas that promote closer ties between citizens of both countries.

“We must also deepen cooperation in education, tourism, culture, and sports areas that strengthen people-to-people connections and sustain long-term partnerships,” he said.

He expressed particular interest in tourism, suggesting joint initiatives that link major attractions in both countries.

“I’m particularly encouraged by discussions on potential tourism collaboration, linking destinations such as Cape Coast and Victoria Falls,” he said.

“This presents an opportunity to combine Ghana’s rich historical heritage with Zimbabwe’s globally renowned natural attractions.”

The President also mentioned the role of the private sector in driving growth, urging increased business engagement between the two countries.

“We must actively encourage business-to-business engagements to unlock the full economic potential of our partnership,” he said, adding that improved transport links would be key.

“Improving connectivity, including exploring direct air links between Accra and Harare, will be essential to facilitating trade, tourism, and investment,” he said.

President Mahama expressed confidence that the discussions would lead to concrete outcomes.

“I’m confident that our discussions today will allow us to review the progress we have made, address any challenges, and chart a clear and forward-looking path for our bilateral relations,” he said.

“I look forward to productive and fruitful deliberations that will further strengthen the bonds between our two countries and advance our shared vision for Africa’s development,” President Mahama said.

Meanwhile, the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, congratulated Ghana for leading the push for the declaration of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.