By Celestine Avi
Ghana and the Kingdom of Eswatini have formalised their commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). The signing ceremony took place at the Presidency in Accra and was witnessed by President John Dramani Mahama and His Majesty King Mswati III, who is in Ghana for a four-day state visit.
The Joint Commission for Cooperation was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Eswatini’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu.
The agreement sets out a framework for regular consultations between the two nations and aims to boost cooperation in key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, cultural exchange, and continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The signing followed bilateral talks between President Mahama and King Mswati III at the Presidency. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to African unity and prosperity.
“Ghana believes in building bridges across the continent,” President Mahama said. “This Commission gives us the structure to deepen our relations not just in diplomacy but in real, people-centred development through trade, infrastructure, and culture.” –
Describing Ghana as the land of freedom and justice, President Mahama recalled the country’s pivotal role in Africa’s liberation struggles and underscored the relevance of continuing the work of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose dream of African unity remains unfinished.
“Today’s leaders must take up that mantle,” he noted. “The AfCFTA gives us a unique opportunity to integrate our markets and empower our people. This visit and our discussions today form the framework for closer cooperation between Ghana and Eswatini.” – President Mahama
For his part, King Mswati III commended Ghana’s leadership and praised President Mahama’s policies, particularly Ghana’s role in advancing continental trade and peace.
“This visit is a testament to the strong and cordial relations between our countries,” said King Mswati.
“We are in Ghana to explore new areas of partnership and strengthen existing ties in trade, culture, and infrastructure.”
The King was accompanied by Inkhosikati LaMagongo and a high-level delegation from Eswatini. He arrived earlier in the day and was welcomed at the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport by senior government officials led by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah.
A full ceremonial reception was held at the Presidency, complete with traditional drumming, a military guard of honour, and cultural performances.
The next leg of King Mswati’s visit takes him to the Ashanti Region, where he will be hosted by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. His itinerary includes a visit to the Manhyia Palace Museum, a grand durbar of chiefs in his honour, and a ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
