Ghana, Cuba Look for New Strategies to Fortify Bilateral Ties

Bilateral relations between Cuba and Ghana were revisited when Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo arrived in Havana this week for a three-day trip.

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Akufo-Addo said his trip to the Caribbean was “to continue the process of developing stronger ties between our two countries, as well as exploring new areas of co-operation to the mutual benefits of our two peoples.”

“Our relations with this country have been very good, right from the beginning, and we have always to remember that Ghana was the very first African country to recognise the government of the Cuban revolution. Establishing this plant in Ghana will be a very strong consolidation of our relations.

“I have no doubt, that, together, we can forge a new, strong partnership for co-operation between our two nations for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” the African president said.

Since 1959, the two countries have worked together to expand their health, education, agriculture and sports sectors.

Akufo-Addo said he was particularly grateful to Cuba for sending some 227 medical doctors and trained staff to help treat the numerous diseases which plague the African country.

“The co-operation between our two countries is being extended to the eradication of malaria, and soon, through a joint venture agreement with Labiofam S.A., a bio-larvicide factory will be established in Savelugu, in the Northern Region of Ghana,” the president said, adding that since 2000, some 3000 Ghanaian students have benefitted from scholarships from the Cuban government.

“I am glad to note that, during this visit, new arrangements have been concluded to cover two hundred (200) more Ghanaian students to study medicine here,” he said.

During his visit, the president also reminisced over his first meeting with the legendary leader of the Cuban Revolution, the late Fidel Castro, who, Akufo-Addo said, predicted his rise to the presidency.

“It took me ten years to see that prediction realised, and I am sad I could not have the opportunity to come back and tell him, ‘Commandante, your prediction has come to pass.’ May the soul of Fidel Castro rest in peace,” Akufo-Addo said.