Story By Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says the State visit to Ghana marks the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations, anchored on economic cooperation, strategic partnership and improving livelihoods in both countries.
Addressing a joint engagement during his three-day visit, President Mnangagwa said the renewed ties reflect a shared determination to translate historic bonds into tangible development outcomes.
“Finally, may I once again reiterate that this State Visit, heralds the beginning of a new era in Zimbabwe-Ghana relations, anchored on economic cooperation, strategic partnership and the shared determination to improve the lives and livelihoods of our peoples,” he said.
The visit, hosted by Ghanaian President John Mahama, is the first by a Zimbabwean Head of State to Ghana since independence in 1980, underscoring deep-rooted ties forged during the liberation struggle and inspired by the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah.
President Mnangagwa said the two leaders held wide-ranging and forward-looking discussions covering key sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, health, sports and education.
He noted that the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Ghana Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation has laid a firm foundation for structured engagement, with several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding already signed to unlock economic opportunities.
“We welcomed the successful convening of the Inaugural Session of the Zimbabwe-Ghana Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, which has established a structured framework to guide the progressive development of our bilateral relations,” he said.
Both countries, he added, are committed to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade, strengthen value chains and promote commercial exchanges, drawing on their complementary economic strengths.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the importance of people-to-people relations, noting that the visa-free travel arrangement between the two nations continues to facilitate tourism, cultural exchange and educational cooperation.
“Our partnership will also extend to knowledge exchange and capacity development, including collaboration between our diplomatic training institutions, universities and innovation hubs,” he said.
On regional and global issues, the two leaders reaffirmed the need for stronger African unity and coordination in advancing the goals of Agenda 2063, while ensuring the continent speaks with one voice on international matters.
President Mnangagwa expressed appreciation for Ghana’s continued support in calling for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe, describing the solidarity as principled and consistent.
He also commended Ghana’s leadership in advancing historical justice, particularly following the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution recognising the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as a crime against humanity.
“The deeper purpose of our cooperation is to ensure that the people of Africa are never again subjected to indignity, marginalisation or economic humiliation,” he said.
Speaking at a State Banquet held in honour of President Mnangagwa, President Mahama said the bond between the two nations predates formal diplomatic relations, describing the relationship as one rooted in the continent’s liberation struggle and enduring Pan-African ideals.
“Ghana and Zimbabwe are bound by a story that predates formal diplomacy, a story that was forged in the defining struggle for Africa, led by visionaries such as Kwame Nkrumah and the late President Mugabe. Their shared ideals of freedom, dignity, and Pan-African unity continue to guide our path today,” he said.
