By Rukayatu Musah
A delegation from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, led by the Trade Commissioner to Ghana, Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, has paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, at the Speaker’s Conference Hall. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Ghana and Vanuatu, with discussions revolving around trade, technology, and collaborative development efforts.
Speaker Bagbin praised the delegation for its role in promoting global partnerships, commending the Trade Commissioner for attracting investment to Vanuatu and facilitating the involvement of Nigerian investors in business activities there. The Speaker emphasized that the meeting was a significant opportunity to deepen the relationship between the two nations and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s efforts in positioning Vanuatu as a top destination for tourism and investment. Prof.
Hugh Keku Aryee provided updates on key initiatives, including the recent VACONGHA Summit in Accra, which brought together countries such as Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlighted a partnership with the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to train 11 million Africans in AI technology, with 1 million training slots allocated to Ghana. He noted that over 20,000 Ghanaians have already benefited, including Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, MP for Shai Osudoku. Additionally, the Commission has partnered with Rwanda to train 3 million Rwandans in AI through the IPADA Carnival Initiative, with Ghanaian trainers deployed for this purpose.
Prof. Aryee also informed the Speaker about ADCB’s financial initiatives, particularly its funding mechanism using the regional currency, AKL Lumi. He stressed the economic opportunities offered by AKL Lumi, including driving financial inclusion, supporting trade, and funding development projects across Ghana. He urged the government to prioritize adopting AKL Lumi to maximize these benefits, pointing out that other African nations are already exploring its integration. Further elaborating on AKL Lumi, Prof. Aryee emphasized its potential to foster economic independence across Africa and the global diaspora by facilitating intra-African trade, digital payments, and cross-border investments. He encouraged Ghanaian policymakers to act quickly in incorporating the currency into the country’s financial system to unlock these opportunities.
The delegation also appealed for Ghana’s support following a recent 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu, which displaced 216 families and caused 14 fatalities. MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, praised the Vanuatu Trade Commission for its work in creating opportunities for skill development and investment. He underscored the importance of leveraging partnerships to explore transformative technologies such as AI, which could foster socio-economic development across Ghana. Mr. Ayariga also stressed the need to support Vanuatu in its earthquake recovery efforts, encouraging Parliament to actively contribute to relief efforts.
The Coordinating Director of Public Engagement for Ghana’s Parliament, Kate Addo, commended the leadership for fostering international partnerships and assured the Vanuatu delegation of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties. She emphasized advancing collaborative initiatives in disaster relief, AI training, and tourism promotion. To cement the relationship between the two nations, the delegation presented Speaker Bagbin with a special gift highlighting Vanuatu’s renowned tourist attractions, featuring a portrait of the President of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu.
The Vanuatu delegation also included Executive Secretary Belinda Ewoenam Nyamadi; Special Advisor Daniel Glover; Maritime and Port Expert and Lead Consultant for AI Training Dr. David King Boison; and Business Development & Trade Promotion Manager Asiwome Kwame Dzineku.
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