The Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has called for deeper defence cooperation between Ghana and the Czech Republic, particularly in defence equipment development, technology transfer and joint ventures.
He said stronger collaboration between the two countries would enhance the operational capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), build local expertise and contribute to Ghana’s broader economic development.
Mr Adjei made the call on Wednesday when the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana, His Excellency Pavel Bilek, accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Nick Ojo Omorodion, paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security, with particular attention to capacity building, modern defence equipment, technology development and industrial partnerships.
The defence minister expressed appreciation to the Czech Republic for its continued support to the GAF, particularly in the training of pilots, scholarships, capacity building, and the supply and maintenance of modern defence equipment.
He said Ghana was ready to explore further opportunities for collaboration in defence equipment development and joint ventures with the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC).
According to Mr Adjei, such partnerships could promote technology transfer, strengthen local defence manufacturing capacity and create opportunities for economic growth.
The Minister also highlighted the successful health partnership between Ghana and the Czech Republic, particularly the Medivac initiative launched in 2019, which he described as a “beacon of hope” for many Ghanaian families.
He said the collaboration between the Czech medical team and the GAF had provided quality medical care to people across the country, resulting in 261 surgeries, while simultaneously strengthening the capabilities of Ghanaian medical personnel.
Mr Adjei expressed gratitude to the Czech Government for its contribution to healthcare delivery and called for broader cooperation in trade and education to complement existing defence and health partnerships.
He said expanding cooperation across these areas would further consolidate the longstanding relations between the two countries.
For his part, Ambassador Bilek described Ghana and the Czech Republic as strategic partners in defence and security, commending Ghana for maintaining peace and democratic stability since independence despite growing security challenges in the wider Sahel region.
He said the Czech Republic was also contributing to international efforts to address insecurity in the region through the deployment of troops and equipment.
The Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Ghana through joint ventures, defence equipment and capacity building.
He said the Czech Republic was also prepared to provide equipment and expertise to support Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Ambassador Bilek expressed the hope that pending cooperation agreements between the two countries would be concluded to unlock new opportunities and further advance the mutually beneficial partnership.
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