Ghana Joins OACPS Ministers in Brussels

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr James Gyakye Quayson, is representing Ghana at the 121st Session of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Council of Ministers in Brussels, Belgium, where ministers are discussing the future direction of the Organisation and key development priorities for member states.

The two-day meeting, which opened on July 15, brings together ministers and senior government officials from OACPS member countries to consider policy and institutional issues aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states and international partners.

Mr Quayson is attending the meeting on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The session is expected to review progress made since the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in March this year. Ministers will also examine the implementation of decisions taken at the summit, reforms within the Organisation, its long-term financial sustainability and the operationalisation of the Samoa Agreement.

Discussions are also expected to focus on sustainable development, trade and investment, peace and security, climate action and closer institutional cooperation among member states.

According to the Ministry, Ghana remains committed to working with fellow OACPS countries to address shared challenges and strengthen partnerships that support development across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

“The Deputy Minister’s participation in the 121st Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers reflects Ghana’s commitment to the objectives of the Organisation and to strengthening multilateral cooperation,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry added that Ghana would continue collaborating with member states and international partners to promote sustainable development, peace and security, inclusive economic growth and the implementation of the Samoa Agreement.

“Ghana will continue to work closely with fellow Member States and international partners to promote sustainable development, peace and security, inclusive economic growth, and the effective implementation of the Samoa Agreement and the decisions of the 11th OACPS Summit,” the statement said.

The meeting is expected to shape the Organisation’s priorities in the months ahead as member states seek to strengthen cooperation and deliver on commitments made under the Samoa Agreement, which provides the framework for relations between the OACPS and the European Union.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD