Ghana, Sierra Leone advance bilateral relations

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, has disclosed that Ghana and Sierra Leone have laid firm groundwork ahead of their first technical session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), following weeks of coordinated preparation between the two countries.

She said this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the first technical meeting of the PJCC, held in Accra.

She noted that both sides had already exchanged draft memoranda of understanding and position papers to guide discussions and ensure the meeting delivers clear outcomes.

“We have reactivated a framework that had remained dormant since its establishment in 2013. Our two foreign ministries, together with our respective MDAs, have undertaken substantial preparatory works,” she said.

According to her, the preparatory phase reflects a shared intention to move beyond dialogue and focus on implementation.

She noted that the technical session was designed to refine proposals and align positions ahead of the ministerial meeting.

“The exchanges of draft memoranda of understanding and position papers are to ensure that this technical session produces tangible and actionable outcomes for consideration at the ministerial session,” she stated.

Ambassador Iddrisu added that the renewed engagement follows a directive by the leaders of both countries to activate the PJCC framework after years of inactivity.

On his part, the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Alan Logan, stated that the session goes beyond routine diplomacy and reflects commitments made at the highest level.

“Our gathering here today is seen as not merely a routine diplomatic exercise. It is the direct fulfilment of a shared vision established by our Heads of State,” he said.

He noted that the meeting follows President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Freetown in March 2025 and a subsequent engagement by Sierra Leone’s President in Accra in January 2026.

“Their leadership has set a clear mandate to transform our historical bonds into a modern, results-oriented economic partnership,” he added.

Mr Logan acknowledged Ghana’s long-standing support for Sierra Leone, including the role of Ghanaian forces during the civil war under ECOMOG.

He said technical teams from both countries would focus on key sectors, including energy, trade, agriculture, and security, based on proposals already reviewed.