By Gloria Anderson
A high-level delegation from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, led by Ambassador Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, has paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s Vice President, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, at her office in Cantonments, Accra. The meeting, held on Wednesday, January 22, 2024, focused on strengthening bilateral relations, advancing trade, and fostering innovation between the two nations.
In her opening remarks, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the shared membership of Ghana and Vanuatu in multilateral organizations such as the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. She commended the delegation’s visit as a step towards fostering mutual benefits, particularly in the areas of trade and technology.
Ambassador Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee extended greetings from the President and people of Vanuatu and provided updates on the establishment of the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana in 2023. He highlighted Vanuatu’s achievements and ongoing partnerships, including its collaboration with the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to promote the AKL Lumi currency. The currency, also circulated digitally through the AI Africa Training Project, aims to stimulate Africa’s participation in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Ambassador Aryee cited Zambia’s successful adoption of the AKL Lumi and ongoing discussions with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana to explore similar prospects. He also noted the role of the IPADA Initiative, spearheaded by Nigeria, in reconnecting Africans in the diaspora and its potential to catalyze economic growth.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang described the meeting as insightful, pledging to engage Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance the discussions. She stressed the importance of positioning Ghana strategically in the AI evolution and preparing for future technological advancements, particularly in addressing critical developmental gaps.
Dr. David King Boison, a marine and port expert and the Lead Consultant for the AI Africa Training Project, underscored the project’s mission to make Africa a leader in the 4th Industrial Revolution. Addressing misconceptions about AI, he noted its potential to create three times as many jobs as it replaces and urged Ghana to prioritize AI adoption to achieve its 24-hour economy agenda.
The delegation included key members such as Ambassador Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Trade Commissioner to Ghana; Ms. Belinda Ewoenam Nyamadi, Executive Secretary; Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, AI Ambassador and member of the Rwanda/Vanuatu Geothermal Energy Project; Dr. David King Boison, Maritime and Port Expert and Lead Consultant for the AI Africa Training Project; Mr. Asiwome Kwame Dzineku, Business Development and Trade Promotion Manager; Mr. Christian Aryee, Special Assistant to the Commissioner; Mr. John Edzakey, Special Assistant to the Lead AI Africa Training Project Consultant; Ms. Linda Addison, Head of Research and AI Platinum Trainer; Ms. Gladys Abadoo, Finance Officer and AI Platinum Trainer; and Mama Ayele Adorshie (III), an Icon of Women’s Leadership.
To symbolize goodwill, the delegation presented a customized picture frame from the President of Vanuatu to Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, who expressed gratitude and commended the delegation for their forward-looking discussions.
The visit signifies a pivotal step towards fostering collaboration between Ghana and Vanuatu in trade, technology, and economic development.
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