Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporter
PLANS are underway for the holding of a Joint Permanent Commission on Co-operation (JPCC) between Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Defence Minister Oppah MuchinguriKashiri announced this development following her attendance of the inauguration ceremony of Ghana’s new President John Mahama during the week.
“We also value His Excellency’s visit last year during the launch of the African Import-Export Bank conference in Ghana. President Mnangagwa participated in the African Import-Export Bank conference where he held a meeting that led to an agreement aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries,” she said.
“The discussions focused on various areas, including agriculture, gender issues, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
“We are pleased that draft MOUs were prepared in Zimbabwe and presented to the Ghanaian authorities and anticipate that this year will see the inaugural meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC).”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri recounted the genesis of the relationship between the two countries.
“As a nation, we must recognise the many commonalities we share with Ghana. Ghana gained its independence in 1957 under the leadership of the late pan-Africanist and icon, former President Kwame Nkrumah, who inspired numerous African countries to pursue liberation from colonial rule,” she said.
“Zimbabwe has enjoyed a strong mutual relationship with Ghana, which supported us during our liberation struggle by training several freedom fighters, including Comrade Ndangana. This historical bond continues to strengthen our ties today.
“Some of our pilots were trained in Ghana, and scholarships continue to be extended to Zimbabwe, which we greatly appreciate.”
The swearing in ceremony of President Mahama was attended by several African leaders, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Kenya’s William Ruto, DRC’s Felix Tshisekedi and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore.
