Ghana and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral relations following the successful conclusion of the inaugural Ministerial Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) held in Accra on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The high-level meeting was jointly chaired by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali. It followed a two-day Technical Session held from April 21 to 22.
Addressing delegates, Mr. Ablakwa described the PJCC as an important mechanism for transforming the historic friendship between the two countries into practical partnerships capable of boosting economic growth and improving the lives of citizens. He stressed the need for both nations to focus on implementation, follow-up actions and accountability to ensure decisions taken at the meeting produce real benefits.
He identified trade and investment, agriculture, energy, health, defence and security, tourism, and cultural exchange as priority sectors with strong potential for job creation, economic expansion and shared prosperity. He also recalled past collaboration between Ghana and Sierra Leone during health crises and natural disasters.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Alghali thanked the Government and people of Ghana for the warm reception given to her delegation. She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to deepen cooperation and said the PJCC represents the common vision of both countries’ leadership to convert longstanding ties into a modern partnership driven by solidarity and development.
The session ended with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding and one formal agreement covering key sectors of cooperation. These include defence and military cooperation, electric power development and management, intelligence and security collaboration, cocoa sector development, political consultations, tourism, culture and creative arts, as well as health cooperation.
Senior government officials and technical experts from both countries participated in the discussions, focusing on ways to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides pledged to maintain regular engagement, monitor progress and ensure the full implementation of all agreed initiatives.
Observers say the inaugural PJCC marks a major milestone in relations between Ghana and Sierra Leone and could open a new era of strategic partnership between the two West African nations.
