Ghana and Belarus have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations following high-level talks between the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and Belarusian Foreign Minister Ryzhenkov Maxim.
The Belarusian delegation, comprising eight senior officials including Deputy Minister of Industry Ryzhkouski Leanid and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yakouvhyts Aliaksandr, joined business representatives already operating in Ghana for the engagement. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic and commercial ties.
Foreign Minister Maxim underscored Belarus’s focus on economic diplomacy, noting that Ghana is a key partner in Africa with which Belarus is eager to expand cooperation. A highlight of the discussions was Belarus’s proposal to supply approximately 3,000 pieces of agricultural machinery and equipment — including tractors and modern implements for ploughing, sowing, and harvesting — to support Ghana’s mechanization drive and boost agricultural productivity.
The Belarusian side also announced plans for a high-level state visit by President Mahama to Belarus in June. Ahead of the visit, both countries agreed to prepare key Memoranda of Understanding and agreements covering investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, partnerships between trade chambers, and the establishment of a Joint Trade and Economic Commission.
Balanced trade relations were emphasized, with Belarus expressing interest in importing Ghanaian products such as cocoa derivatives, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In response, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare encouraged Belarusian companies to go beyond raw commodity trade by establishing processing factories in Ghana, particularly for cocoa and milk powder production. She stressed that local value addition would create jobs, strengthen industrialization, and give Belarusian firms more competitive access to cocoa.
The Minister further highlighted opportunities in Ghana’s textiles and garment industry, positioning the country as a hub for manufacturing and value addition. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive industrial growth, enhance trade, and create sustainable economic opportunities for both nations.
The meeting marks a significant milestone in Ghana–Belarus relations, laying the groundwork for expanded collaboration across agriculture, industry, and investment.
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