Czech President Petr Pavel arrived in Accra on Monday for a landmark three-day state visit—marking the first official trip to Ghana by a Czech or Czechoslovak head of state in more than 60 years. The historic visit aims to revitalize bilateral relations and foster stronger cooperation in key sectors such as trade, technology, agriculture, and education.
President Pavel, accompanied by a high-level delegation of Czech business leaders and government officials, is expected to hold talks with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and key ministers. Discussions will center on expanding trade volume, increasing Czech investment in Ghana’s industrial and health sectors, and promoting academic partnerships.
Ghana currently imports Czech-made machinery, medical equipment, and defense tools, while seeking technical assistance to boost local manufacturing and skill development.
The visit also includes a Czech-Ghana Business Forum in Accra, where both countries are expected to sign new bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing trade and innovation exchange.
Meanwhile, at a public policy forum in Accra on Tuesday, former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama voiced strong criticism of the recently announced 10% U.S. tariffs on African exports. He described the policy as a “major setback” to equitable global trade and called on African leaders to push for reforms in the World Trade Organization to better protect developing economies.
The Czech President’s visit comes as African nations reassess their international trade alliances and look toward new strategic partnerships amid rising protectionism from traditional trade partners.
