A delegation from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, led by H.E. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, at the Speaker’s Conference Hall. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Ghana and Vanuatu, with discussions centred on trade, technology, and collaborative development initiatives.

Hon. Alban Bagbin commended the delegation for its efforts in fostering global partnerships. He acknowledged the Trade Commissioner's achievements in attracting investment opportunities to Vanuatu and noted the active participation of Nigerian investors in exploring business activities in Vanuatu as well. The Speaker described the meeting as an opportunity to deepen relationships between Ghana and Vanuatu and expressed gratitude for the Commission’s efforts in positioning Vanuatu as a premier destination for tourism and investment.

Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee shared updates on key initiatives, including the recent VACONGHA Summit in Accra, which brought together countries like Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlighted a partnership with the African Diaspora Central Bank, which aims to train 11 million Africans in AI technology, with 1 million slots allocated to Ghana. Over 20,000 Ghanaians, including Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, MP for Shai Osudoku, have already benefited. He also shared details of collaborations with Rwanda to train 3 million Rwandans in AI during the IPADA Carnival Initiative deploying Ghanaian trainers to these countries. H.E Prof. Hugh Aryee also informed the Speaker about the allocation of 1 million training opportunities to Ghanaians as well.

Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee informed the Speaker about the African Diaspora Central Bank’s (ADCB) financial initiatives, particularly its funding mechanism through the regional currency, AKL Lumi. He emphasized the significant economic opportunities that come with adopting the AKL Lumi, highlighting its potential to drive financial inclusion, support trade, and provide sustainable funding for development projects across Ghana. He urged the government to prioritize the adoption of AKL Lumi to maximize these benefits, stressing that other African nations are already exploring its integration into their economies.

He further elaborated on the AKL Lumi’s role in fostering economic independence within Africa and the global diaspora, noting that it serves as a vehicle for facilitating intra-African trade, digital payments, and cross-border investments. With ADCB’s commitment to funding strategic initiatives, including AI training, infrastructure development, and entrepreneurship programs, he encouraged Ghanaian policymakers to act swiftly in incorporating the currency into the country’s financial ecosystem to unlock these opportunities.

The delegation appealed for Ghana’s support following a recent 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu, which displaced 216 families and claimed 14 lives.

Hon. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, lauded the work of the Vanuatu Trade Commission in creating opportunities for skill development and investment. He emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships like these to explore transformative technologies such as AI, which could drive socio-economic development across Ghana. He also underscored the need to support Vanuatu in its disaster recovery efforts, encouraging Parliament to take active steps in assisting.

Ms. Kate Addo, Coordinating Director of Public Engagement for Ghana’s Parliament, praised the leadership of Hon. Bagbin in fostering international partnerships. She assured the Vanuatu delegation of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties and advancing collaborative initiatives in disaster relief, AI training, and tourism promotion.

A special gift showcasing Vanuatu’s renowned tourist attractions and featuring the portrait of H.E. Nikenike Vurobaravu, President of Vanuatu, was presented to Hon. Bagbin during the meeting to cement the relationship between the two nations.

The delegation from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana included Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Ms. Belinda Ewoenam Nyamadi, Executive Secretary; Mr. Daniel Glover, Special Advisor; Dr David King Boison, Maritime and Port Expert and Lead Consultant for AI Training; and Mr Asiwome Kwame Dzineku, Business Development & Trade Promotion Manager.

The meeting concluded with commitments to strengthen parliamentary collaboration, support Vanuatu’s disaster recovery efforts, and foster partnerships to drive trade, tourism, and technological advancement.