The inaugural Ministerial Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Ghana and Sierra Leone has ended in Accra with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding and one agreement aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
The session, held on Thursday, 23 April 2026, was co-chaired by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali.
It followed a two-day technical meeting held from 21 to 22 April 2026, which laid the groundwork for the ministerial deliberations.
In his remarks, Ablakwa described the PJCC as a strategic platform designed to transform the long-standing fraternal relations between both countries into practical partnerships that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.
He stressed the need for effective implementation of agreements reached, noting that memoranda of understanding must be followed through to ensure tangible benefits for citizens of both nations.
Ablakwa highlighted priority areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, health, defence and security, as well as tourism and cultural exchange, describing them as critical to job creation and economic transformation.
He also referenced past cooperation between Ghana and Sierra Leone, particularly in responding to health emergencies and natural disasters, as evidence of strong bilateral solidarity.
On her part, Francess Piagie Alghali expressed appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Ghana.
She said the PJCC reflects the shared vision of both countries’ leadership to convert historic relations into a dynamic, mutually beneficial partnership anchored in development and solidarity.
The session concluded with the signing of key agreements covering defence and military cooperation, electric power development and management, intelligence and security cooperation, cocoa sector development, political consultations, tourism, culture and creative arts, and health cooperation.
The meeting brought together senior government officials and technical experts from both countries to advance discussions on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring of agreed initiatives, describing the inaugural session as a defining moment in Ghana–Sierra Leone relations.
