Ghana is looking to Belarus to help modernise its agricultural sector, President John Dramani Mahama has said, describing the eastern European country as a natural partner given its strong reputation in farm mechanisation, technology and research.
The President made the call on Monday during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko in Minsk, following the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
President Mahama said the goal is not simply to increase agricultural output but to build a modern farming sector driven by the latest technologies, one that will improve food security and raise living standards in Ghana’s rural communities.
He said Belarus has the experience, knowledge and expertise that Ghana needs to make that happen.
“We expect to create a true strategic partnership within which the transfer of experience, technology and investment will work,” he said, adding that with Ghana’s resources and Belarus’s expertise, the two countries can deliver mutually beneficial outcomes while ensuring food security for both nations.
The commitment to agricultural cooperation was formalised through one of three memoranda of understanding signed during the visit, with Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku signing the document on behalf of Ghana.
The other two agreements, covering a joint commission on trade and economic cooperation and cooperation between the chambers of commerce of both countries, were signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia Dr Steem Jehu-Appiah, respectively.
President Mahama said all three agreements go beyond diplomatic formality.
“They create a practical foundation for the private sector and state institutions of both countries to work together and remove barriers that have limited engagement between Ghana and Belarus, he stated.
He expressed hope that the documents would translate into concrete actions that benefit the citizens of both countries.
Beyond agriculture, the President said Ghana and Belarus will also collaborate in education, renewable energy and industry.
He made a pitch to Belarusian investors, pointing to Ghana’s stable economy, young population, improving infrastructure and growing market as attractive conditions for long-term investment, and said Ghana will welcome a Belarusian business delegation to explore opportunities further.
President Mahama also placed the partnership within a broader vision of Global South solidarity, saying equal and inclusive cooperation among developing nations is more important than ever at a time when the world is dealing with food insecurity, climate change and geopolitical pressures.
“We, representing the Global South, will be happy to build such partnerships with all the countries that are ready to build a more balanced and inclusive world order,” he added.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
