Ghana and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially commence bilateral political consultations between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Panamanian counterpart, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mr Ablakwa announced the signing in a Facebook post on Monday, September 21.

He said the MoU would provide a framework for deeper and more structured cooperation between Ghana and Panama, particularly in maritime affairs, cocoa production, trade and the extractive sector.

“The MoU seeks to deepen and structure our cooperation, particularly in maritime affairs, cocoa production, enhanced trade and mutual technical assistance in the extractive sector,” he said.

The agreement is expected to strengthen political engagement between the two countries while providing a framework for cooperation in the identified areas.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had earlier identified maritime affairs, logistics, trade, tourism and education as areas with potential for increased cooperation with Panama. 

Mr Ablakwa also used the occasion to add a lighter touch to the diplomatic engagement, referencing Ghana’s victory over Panama at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup.

“On a lighter note, we took the opportunity to reconcile after our Black Stars defeated Panama at the just ended World Cup,” he said.

He ended his post by reaffirming the importance of the relationship between the two countries: “Long live Ghana-Panama relations.”

The signing took place as Ghana continues its bilateral engagements on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.