By Kestér Kenn KLOMEGÂH
Ghana’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia, Dr. Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, in a brief ceremony, has presented copies of his credentials to the Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin, at the Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“During the conversation, a substantive discussion took place on the further development of the traditionally friendly Russia–Ghana relations, including the intensification of political dialogue and the expansion of mutually beneficial co-operation in trade, the economy, humanitarian affairs and other areas,” the statement said.
During the meeting, Dr. Jehu-Appiah outlined the current political developments under President John Dramani Mahama, and further layout Ghana’s policy priorities in the Russian Federation. The practice of bilateral political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both countries was discussed at the meeting.
Both diplomats further expressed explicit intention to deepen multifaceted bilateral relations, in particular, in the interests of both countries, and indicated readiness to support the development and work for the dynamic growth of the African continent. At the same, they also noted the geopolitical challenges, given new policy dimensions and its impact on Africa.
Within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, there has been promising collaboration in various spheres: trade and investments, economic and industrial cooperation, energy, geology and mineral resources, agriculture as well as science and education.
As well-known, President Mahama studied and graduated from the Institute of Social Studies, while Dr. Jehu-Appiah graduated from the People’s Friendship University named after Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. With this background, there is a common ground for more significant advances in strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in light of President Mahama’s initiatives, including the new 24-Hour Economic Policy. The future prospects are positive.
Russia and Ghana have good diplomatic relations, mostly built on the principles of equality and mutual respect. In the early years of Ghana’s independence, the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, pursued a policy of economic sovereignty. For this purpose, Ghana decided to forge education and culture, trade and economic relations with the Soviet Union.
