Ghana and Germany have initiated discussions on potential cooperation in railway infrastructure and engineering as part of efforts to modernise and expand Ghana's rail transportation network. The talks took place in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly between Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Johann Wadephul.
The engagement formed part of broader discussions aimed at deepening bilateral relations and identifying practical areas for economic and developmental cooperation between the two countries. Railway development was a central issue, with Ghana seeking strategic international partners to support the transformation of its rail transport system.
The Ghanaian and German sides also examined opportunities for German companies to expand their commercial presence and investment activities in Ghana. Economic cooperation was a key aspect of the agenda, alongside labour mobility and other areas of collaboration.
Labour mobility was another significant area of discussion, with the two ministers considering structured labour exchange arrangements for qualified Ghanaian workers to pursue employment opportunities in Germany. The discussions also touched on irregular migration and addressing underlying conditions that contribute to the phenomenon.
Skills development, education, and employment opportunities were identified as areas to address the factors driving irregular migration. The two ministers also exchanged views on the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and the threat posed by violent extremism, as well as concerns surrounding the recruitment and trafficking of African young people into the Russia-Ukraine war.
The engagement comes as Ghana seeks to broaden its international partnerships in support of infrastructure development, employment creation, and economic transformation. Ghana has been implementing projects under its Railway Masterplan, including standard gauge development and the broader Ghana-Burkina Faso railway interconnectivity agenda.
The two countries are expected to maintain consultations on the issues raised during the New York meeting, with the objective of identifying practical areas for cooperation and developing an implementation framework for agreed initiatives. Mr Wadephul has invited Mr Ablakwa for a working visit to Germany to advance discussions on the matters raised during the engagement.
Key points
- Germany and Ghana discuss potential cooperation in railway infrastructure and engineering
- The two countries explore opportunities for structured labour exchange arrangements
- Economic cooperation and addressing irregular migration were also key aspects of the discussions
