Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday for a three-day State visit aimed at strengthening historic relations and expanding strategic economic partnerships between the two nations.
The visit is expected to unlock new economic and political opportunities through enhanced bilateral cooperation, building on decades-long ties dating back to Africa’s liberation struggles.
Announcing the visit on social media, Ghanaian President John Mahama described the engagement as an opportunity to celebrate the enduring bonds between the two countries.
“The April 1 to 3 visit will celebrate the historic bonds between Ghana and Zimbabwe. We are two countries whose destinies have been intertwined since the liberation struggles that shaped modern Africa. Our steadfast support for Zimbabwe’s independence movement remains a proud legacy that continues to shape our bilateral relations. Welcome to Accra, President Dr Mnangagwa, and let us work to enhance the strategic partnership between our two nations,” he wrote.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, gave an insight into the scope of the visit.
“So His Excellency is going to pay a state visit, given this background. And their excellencies are going to exchange views and deepen cooperation In all areas of cooperation From political To economic To social Including education, science, technology, tourism Including education, science, technology, tourism And mining So this is very historic indeed Because it’s the first time A structured, joint, permanent commission of cooperation Is happening between Zimbabwe and Ghana Since independence Despite the fact that we were cooperating in several areas Despite the fact that we were cooperating in several areas But we were not having a structured cooperation But we were not having a structured cooperation So this is historic indeed And we would like to express our thanks to the officials And we would like to express our thanks to the officials The ambassadors We have actually worked to make sure that This comes to fruition This comes to fruition So we are expecting His Excellency to be here He will be hosted by his colleague and we’re looking forward to a very excellent state visit. He’s paying homage to the correct parts of the African soil. So we are looking forward to this meeting,” he said.
As part of the engagements ahead of the state visit, local trade promotion body, ZimTrade, has been on the ground, engaging leading buyers and distributors in Ghana to unlock business opportunities for the private sector.
This comes after Zimbabwe and Ghana signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure collaboration between the two sister republics in higher and tertiary education, teacher education and research institutions.
The MoU will also facilitate curriculum innovation and research in strategic fields such as agriculture, mining and medicine, which are critical towards the industrialisation agenda.
