In a momentous encounter on Friday, February 16, 2024, H.E Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana was welcomed by the Rt. Hon. Simeon Seoule Davidson Parliament house on his official visit to the Republic of Vanuatu.

In his welcome address, the Rt. Hon. Speaker was happy to say that, H.E Professor Hugh Aryee’s visit carries historical significance as it marks the first time that Vanuatu, particularly the Parliament of Vanuatu welcomed such an important delegation, from Africa.

This meeting, hosted at the Parliament House, sought to foster collaboration and explore opportunities between the Republic of Vanuatu and Ghana.

Honourable Simeon Seoule, serving as the current Speaker of Parliament since his election on June 15, 2021, warmly welcomed Trade Commissioner Aryee.

The current Speaker of Parliament of Vanuatu is Honourable Simeon Seoule, Member of Parliament and Epi Constituency.

Honourable Simeon Seoule acknowledged the profound historical connection between Africa and Vanuatu, tracing back to the early settlement and migration during the Oceania formation, stating that Vanuatu takes pride in its shared history with Africa, particularly the origins of Melanesians.

Emphasising the Trade Commissioner Aryee's role in facilitating trade and economic development between Ghana, West Africa, and Vanuatu, the Honorable Speaker recognised the vast scope of the Trade Commissioner's actions and the tremendous opportunities they could bring to Vanuatu.

The Speaker of Parliament expressed optimism that the Trade Commissioner's visit would open up new business opportunities, strengthen cultural exchanges, and foster cooperation.

He also envisioned a collaborative effort between Ghana and Vanuatu for a shared and progressive future. The Trade Commissioner H.E Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee conveyed his gratitude to Honourable Simeon Seoule for the warm welcome and shared insights into his initiatives.

Promoting Vanuatu in Ghana, Africa and the world

The Trade Commissioner highlighted the importance of his role in promoting Vanuatu to West Africa and the entire continent. He mentioned successfully hosting the VACONGHA 2023 fair to showcase Vanuatu's products and businesses.

HE Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee addressed the visa-related challenges faced by many Ghanaians and Africans who wish to travel to Vanuatu, stressing the need to streamline the necessary protocols for foreigners visiting Vanuatu for business, investment, or tourism.

The Trade Commissioner extended an invitation to the Vanuatu Parliament to visit Ghana, exploring areas of investment, business, trade, or tourism and have the opportunity again to meet Ghana’s speaker of Parliament which was aborted last year due to unforeseen circumstances.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of gifts by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Rt.Hon. Simeon Seoule Davidson to H.E Amb. Prof. Hugh Aryee symbolises the mutual goodwill between the Republic of Vanuatu and Ghana.

Both Honourable Simeon Seoule and Trade Commissioner Aryee expressed anticipation for continued visits, cooperation, and mutual benefits between Ghana and Vanuatu. This historic encounter lays the groundwork for strengthening ties and collaborative endeavours between Ghana, Africa and the Republic of Vanuatu.

The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands. It was named New Hebrides during its colonial period.