By Bright Ntramah
Ghana and Hungary have pledged to deepen ties of cooperation for the mutual benefit of their citizens. Ministers from both countries have held discussions on the expansion of relations in the areas of trade, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, ICT, financial services, water management, and environmental protection.
President Akufo-Addo announced this at a joint news conference with his Hungarian counterpart as he begins a five-day state visit in Ghana.
The visit by the Hungarian President is to re-affirm the ties of cooperation and bonds of friendship between the two countries. The two countries pledged to explore further areas of interest for the benefit of their citizens. A number of key agreements will be signed between the two countries. It includes the continuation of the education exchange programme between the Ministry of Human Capacities of Hungary and the Ministry of Education of Ghana. Others are the mutual visa extension for holders of diplomatic and service passports, the Memorandum of Understanding on sports cooperation between the Ministry of Human Capacities of Hungary and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Ghana and the MOU with Hungary on waste management in Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale and Dambai.
Both countries reiterated their determination to help realize the global commitment of halving emissions by 2030. President Akufo-Addo called on Hungary to lend its support to the African Continental Free Trade Area, which has its Secretariat in Accra. He said AfCFTA links 54 markets covering one point two billion people with a combined GDP of three trillion-dollars. He noted that by 2050, it will cover an estimated two point five billion people and have more than a quarter of the world’s working age population.
President Áder and his delegation reiterated their determination to champion the need for humane treatment of illegal migrants as well as the protection of the human rights in accordance with international laws both at home and in European platforms. The Hungarian President, János Áder, together with his wife, Anita while in Ghana will visit the Newill Academy school in Koforidua, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra.
His delegation will pay a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta, and also visit the Kakum national park. President Ader will meet the Hungarian community in Ghana, pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu and visit the Kumasi waste water treatment plant built by Hungarian experts.
