Pedro Sánchez commits to continuing to step up Spain's ties with West African countries

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The presence of the President of Ghana at this presentation taken on special importance since Nana Akufo-Addo also exercises the Rotating Presidency of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The President of the Government highlighted that both countries are facing "similar challenges", such as "recovering the path of economic growth in the wake of the pandemic". In this regard, Pedro Sánchez indicated that both Spain and Ghana share an interest in addressing the climate emergency with ambition, combating growing inequalities and improving the resilience of health systems and societies from future pandemics.

Accordingly, in the meeting, the President of the Government recalled that for Spain, Africa is key to this vision of a greener and more inclusive future. "We are convinced of the potential and opportunities offered by the important transformations that the African continent is currently undergoing".

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaDuring the meeting, a great harmony could be observed between Pedro Sánchez and Nana Akufo-Addo, which can be seen in the excellent relations between Spain and Ghana. "This is evidenced in the good image that this country has of ours and our interest in increasing an effective presence in West Africa", highlighted the President of the Government. The two countries maintain close economic ties, as can be seen in the considerable increase in trade exchanges over recent years. Furthermore, more than 20,000 Ghanaians reside in Spain. The President of the Government recalled that Ghana was the first country to receive vaccines under the COVAX Initiative and that in less than a year the ACT-Accelerator has been set in motion, which has managed to distribute 30 million doses to 54 countries. "The contributions from the European Commission and the Member States account for 34.6% of all contributions, ahead of any other country", highlighted Pedro Sánchez, and efforts have been coordinated to collect funding from other countries and donors. There is still a lot to do and we will clearly need to overcome many obstacles, but the management of vaccines from the European Union is proving to be supportive and effective.

Also during the meeting, they addressed issues related to peace and security. Spain wishes to step up bilateral collaboration on defence issues, border control and the fight against terrorism. One of the examples of current collaboration in the zone is the shipment by Spain, every six months, of patrol boats to carry out surveillance and training work with the Ghanaian Navy. The two leaders also consider access to education to be fundamental. The President of the Government congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo on the "introduction of free access to secondary education as an example of his leadership and vision of the future. "Spain shares this vision and advocates the sustained socio-economic development in Ghana, which allows for the creation of jobs and opportunities for young people. "Spain highly values the institutional stability of Ghana", and thus places Ghana among the ten African countries considered to be a priority under our strategy for the continent, in accordance with our 3rd Africa Plan, concluded the President of the Government.

Non official translation