Ghana has taken significant steps in strengthening its international relations by signing two communiqués to establish diplomatic ties with Madagascar and St. Lucia. Additionally, the country has reached a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with Trinidad and Tobago.

The agreements were formalized by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, during separate brief ceremonies held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The Malagasy and St. Lucian Foreign Ministers, Ms. Rasata Rafaravavitafika and Mr. Alva Baptiste, respectively, signed on behalf of their nations.

The talks between Ms. Botchwey and her Malagasy counterpart, Ms. Rafaravavitafika, centered on the opportunities and advantages that intra-African trade could provide. In a significant development, Madagascar announced its intent to sign onto the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement next month. Ghana, an early signatory of the landmark AfCFTA agreement, hosts its secretariat in Accra, further solidifying its commitment to intra-African trade.

In addition to the diplomatic agreements, Ms. Botchwey and Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, signed an Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment (ARPPI). The ARPPI is expected to enhance bilateral trade between the two nations by fostering economic cooperation, protecting investors’ rights, and preventing unlawful expropriation. While trade between the two nations has been modest, Trinidad and Tobago’s Republic Bank is operational in Ghana and continues to expand its presence.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Browne expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I’m delighted we could do this today,” to which Ms. Botchwey responded, “Indeed, it’s a great day,” as they exchanged documents and shook hands.

The discussions between the two ministers also touched on the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is scheduled to take place in Samoa in four weeks. Notably, Ms. Botchwey is one of the leading candidates vying to become the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, seeking to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica.

Earlier in the day, Ms. Botchwey held bilateral talks with Lord Collins, the British Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Mr. Joseph Andall, the Foreign Minister of Grenada, further expanding Ghana’s diplomatic engagements on the global stage.