Algeria, Ghana Emphasize African Solutions to African Challenges in Joint Communiqué
Algeria and Ghana have emphasized the significance of African solutions to African challenges, stressing the need to prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and negotiated resolutions for conflict resolution on the continent. They expressed their “deep concern” regarding the ongoing security and humanitarian crises in the Sahel region.
This was articulated in a joint communiqué issued after the official visit of Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to Algeria at the invitation of Algeria’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, from April 29 to 30, 2025.
Both nations reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening their long-standing partnership and enhancing cooperation across key sectors. The two parties also expressed their intention to deepen bilateral collaboration and agreed on a roadmap outlining priority measures, including: “Increasing high-level political contacts through regular exchange of visits, holding the 4th session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation in Accra before the end of 2025, to identify and implement cooperation projects in areas such as higher education and vocational training, justice, transport, agriculture, health, the pharmaceutical industry, agro-industry, and building materials.”
They further discussed “Establishing a mechanism for political consultations through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding,” with “updating and finalizing draft agreements under negotiation and proposing new legal instruments to strengthen the cooperation framework.”
In the joint communiqué, both ministers affirmed their “commitment to multilateralism and to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act,” highlighting ” the need for coordinated African responses to regional and global challenges.”
Regarding the Sahel region, both parties voiced their “deep concern over the ongoing security and humanitarian crises,” stating that “a solely military approach cannot resolve the complex challenges facing the region.” They called for a “comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes through increased investment in development, education, infrastructure, and the creation of economic opportunities for youth.”
The Emphasis on Political Solutions Based on International Legality in Western Sahara
The two parties reviewed their “joint efforts to counter terrorism and transnational crime,” and agreed to “reinforce cooperation in combating violent extremism, radicalization, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.”
On the question of Western Sahara, both parties stressed the “necessity of a political solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the principles of the UN Charter and AU Constitutive Act, ensuring the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.”
With regard to the situation in the Middle East, both parties expressed their “deep concern over the ongoing hostilities in Gaza. They reiterated their firm support for a Two-State solution that will guarantee the Palestinian people their legitimate right to an independent and sovereign state.”
On the other hand, both parties emphasized “the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, to ensure equitable representation of African countries in global governance.”
The two ministers signed an agreement exempting holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements and also discussed the possibility of extending this exemption to ordinary passport holders.
They welcomed the outcomes of the visit, which reflect the strength of relations between Algeria and Ghana and their mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation across all sectors.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed his gratitude to the Algerian authorities for the warm welcome he received.
The Ghanaian minister also congratulated Algeria on being selected to host the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), scheduled for September 4 to 10, 2025. He recognized the significance of this event as a platform to promote the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and to strengthen African economic integration.
Furthermore, both parties underscored the importance of the AfCFTA as a key driver of Africa’s structural transformation.” Algeria acknowledged Ghana’s pivotal role, given that it hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Ablakwa extended an invitation to Attaf for a reciprocal visit to the Republic of Ghana at a mutually agreed-upon date through diplomatic channels.
On Wednesday, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met with the Ghanaian minister, who conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana.
Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, engaged in bilateral discussions with his Ghanaian counterpart, followed by an expanded working session. The discussions centered on key bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
