In a significant step toward strengthening Ghana-Serbia relations, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, held a joint press briefing with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Marko Đurić, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra. The engagement formed part of Minister Đurić’s three-day official visit to Ghana, underscoring both nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
Both ministers reflected on the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Serbia, rooted in their shared values as members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This historical foundation, marked by mutual respect, sovereignty, and solidarity, continues to shape their evolving partnership. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while both countries committed to strengthening diplomatic coordination within international multilateral forums.
Central to the briefing was Serbia’s pledge to support Ghana’s maritime sector through the upgrade and overhaul of the country’s Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (VTMIS). This enhancement will improve Ghana’s ability to monitor and protect its coastal waters, contributing significantly to maritime safety and national security. The support comes at a crucial time when Ghana, like many West African states, is grappling with emerging maritime threats, including piracy and trafficking.
Defense cooperation also featured strongly in the bilateral dialogue. Hon. Ablakwa briefed his counterpart on Ghana’s intensified counter-terrorism efforts in response to growing instability in the Sahel region. With extremist threats increasingly spilling into coastal West Africa, both countries emphasized the need for regional collaboration, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships to prevent the spread of violence and insecurity.
In the area of education, Serbia announced the expansion of its scholarship scheme for Ghanaian students, adding 31 new awards to the existing 50, bringing the total to 81 government-funded scholarships. The gesture was warmly received by the Ghanaian side, which emphasized the importance of education in fostering people-to-people connections and deepening long-term diplomatic ties. In a reciprocal spirit, Ghana is exploring the possibility of providing scholarships for Serbian students who wish to study in Ghana, especially in courses such as African Studies. This, officials noted, would enrich cross-cultural understanding and broaden academic exchange between the two nations.
Serbian Foreign Minister, Đurić expressed strong admiration for Ghana’s emerging 24-hour economy initiative, describing it as a visionary model with the potential to drive inclusive growth and economic transformation. He noted that Serbia sees Ghana not only as a key ally in West Africa but also as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted opportunities for increased Serbian investment in Ghana’s infrastructure, agro-processing, and ICT sectors, underscoring the mutual economic benefits of closer cooperation.
The two countries also reiterated their shared commitment to tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Both sides expressed interest in collaborating on renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development practices. Hon Ablakwa emphasized the urgency of climate action and the importance of partnerships that support Ghana’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
Minister Đurić’s visit includes high-level meetings with Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Ministers of Food and Agriculture, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Sports and Recreation and Defence. These engagements are expected to explore sector-specific opportunities and reinforce Ghana and Serbia’s shared interest in inter-parliamentary collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and mutual development goals.
The press briefing concluded with a strong sense of renewed partnership and purpose. With growing cooperation in maritime security, education, climate resilience, and economic transformation, Ghana and Serbia are laying the groundwork for a modern, strategic alliance grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for the future. As global dynamics evolve, the strengthening of ties between Accra and Belgrade stands as a model of diplomatic innovation, South-South cooperation, and forward-looking international engagement.
By : Makiza Micheline Latifa