Ghana renews solidarity with Cuba, calls for unconditional lifting of sanctions

Ghana has renewed its solidarity with Cuba and called for the unconditional lifting of sanctions against the Caribbean country.

The position was reaffirmed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a meeting with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, focused on strengthening Ghana-Cuba relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions covered healthcare, scholarships and training, energy cooperation, agriculture and economic engagement.

The two ministers also reviewed Ghana and Cuba’s longstanding health cooperation, including the deployment of Cuban medical volunteers to Ghana and the training of Ghanaian medical doctors in Cuba.

The Ministry said Mr Ablakwa expressed Ghana’s solidarity with the Cuban government and people amid the country’s current challenges, while commending the resilience of the Cuban people.

“As President Mahama reiterated during his UN address, Ghana calls for the unconditional lifting of sanctions against Cuba,” the Ministry said in a statement shared on social media on Monday, September 28.

The two sides also discussed international developments, solidarity among developing countries, respect for sovereignty and international law, and the need for stronger multilateral cooperation.

The discussions come at a time of heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, with Cuban Foreign Minister Rodríguez Parrilla recently criticising US economic measures against his country during his address to the UN General Assembly.

The Ministry said Ghana and Cuba would continue to pursue practical and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in areas that could produce tangible outcomes for both countries.