By Hannah Dadzie
Ghana and Serbia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in key areas such as labour mobility, technology, and food security. This follows a three-day official visit to Ghana by the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Đurić.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who received his Serbian counterpart, described the visit as a significant milestone in the deepening relationship between the two countries. One major focus of the discussions was the planned structured migration of Ghanaian workers to Serbia. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed to formalise this initiative, which aims to tackle unemployment in Ghana while addressing labour shortages in Serbia.
The relationship between Ghana and Serbia dates back to the era of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, with both nations being founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Today, that historic partnership is being revived and redefined through the official visit of Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ghana.
During bilateral discussions, Serbia offered to support Ghana with digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, especially as Serbia currently chairs the Global AI Initiative. Talks between the two delegations centred on deepening cooperation in trade, education, security, and climate action.
Minister Ablakwa acknowledged the modest trade volumes between the two countries but emphasised the potential for growth. He encouraged Serbian investors to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as Ghana’s stable political environment and investor-friendly policies. Mr. Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s readiness to collaborate with Serbia across all sectors of the economy.
“This visit reflects a renewed commitment from both sides to deepen cooperation and strengthen the bonds of friendship,” Minister Ablakwa said. He highlighted the enduring legacy of the collaboration, citing the Accra International Conference Centre, built through Serbian expertise, as a symbol of that long-standing partnership.
A significant area of collaboration highlighted was Serbia’s support for Ghana’s maritime sector through an ongoing partnership between the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and Serbia’s Vlatacom Research and Development Institute. This collaboration aims to upgrade Ghana’s existing Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS), which will extend the reach of Over the Horizon (OTH) Surveillance Technology along Ghana’s coastline. Discussions also covered the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between the two countries.
On security, the Minister praised Serbia for its support in upgrading Ghana’s Vessel Traffic Management Information System in collaboration with Vlatacom. He also highlighted ongoing defence cooperation and expressed appreciation for Serbia’s backing in strengthening Ghana’s maritime surveillance capabilities.
Minister Ablakwa briefed his counterpart on Ghana’s efforts to address the security situation in the Sahel and the wider West African region. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting regional peace, while calling for continued Serbian support.
Education and cultural exchange also featured prominently in the discussions. The Ghanaian Foreign Minister commended Serbia for its ongoing scholarship programme for Ghanaian students under the “World in Serbia” initiative and advocated for its expansion to include critical areas such as medicine.
Addressing climate change, both Ministers agreed on the urgent need for joint action. They pledged collaboration between government institutions, academia, and the private sector to implement sustainable solutions, promote renewable energy, and adopt climate-resilient policies.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Serbia, Marko Đurić, highlighted Serbia’s willingness to work closely with Ghana to advance development, particularly in agriculture, a sector he described as a key driver of economic growth for both countries.
As part of his visit, Mr. Đurić is scheduled to meet with the Speaker of Parliament and Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Tourism, Defence, and Sports. Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of Sports and Cultural Cooperation are expected to be signed during these engagements.
