Ghana and the Czech Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of defence, security, military training, technology development and defence equipment.
The commitment was reaffirmed when the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Ghana, Pavel Bilek, together with Deputy Head of Mission Nick Ojo Omorodion, paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Ministry of Defence.
Ghana, Czech Republic Explore Defence Collaboration
Welcoming the Czech delegation, Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei expressed appreciation for the congratulatory message following his appointment and described the relationship between Ghana and the Czech Republic as cordial and based on shared values.
The Minister commended the Czech Republic for its continued support to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), particularly in the areas of pilot training, scholarships, capacity building and the supply and maintenance of modern military equipment.
He said Ghana is prepared to explore additional opportunities for cooperation in defence equipment manufacturing, technology transfer and joint ventures, particularly through the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC).
According to the Defence Minister, increased collaboration with the Czech Republic could help strengthen local defence production capacity, facilitate technology transfer and contribute to Ghana’s broader economic development.
Ghana-Czech Medivac Partnership Produces 261 Surgeries
Minister Adjei also highlighted the achievements of the Ghana-Czech healthcare partnership, particularly the Medivac initiative launched in 2019.
He described the programme as a “beacon of hope” for many Ghanaian families, noting that cooperation between Czech medical experts and the Ghana Armed Forces has provided quality medical care to people across the country.
The partnership has so far resulted in 261 surgeries, while also helping to improve the skills and capabilities of Ghanaian medical professionals.
The Defence Minister expressed Ghana’s appreciation for the Czech Republic’s contribution to healthcare delivery and medical capacity building, while calling for expanded cooperation in other sectors, including trade and education.
Czech Republic Supports Ghana’s Security Efforts
Ambassador Pavel Bilek described Ghana and the Czech Republic as strategic partners in defence and security and commended Ghana for maintaining peace and democratic stability since independence.
He acknowledged the security challenges facing countries across the wider Sahel region, noting that the Czech Republic is also contributing to international efforts aimed at addressing insecurity through the deployment of troops and military equipment.
The Ambassador said the Czech Republic remains ready to deepen its partnership with Ghana through joint ventures, defence equipment supplies, military expertise and capacity building.
He specifically mentioned potential support for Ghana’s efforts to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, through the provision of relevant equipment and technical expertise.
Ghana-Czech Bilateral Cooperation Set to Expand
Ambassador Bilek expressed hope that pending cooperation agreements between the two countries would be concluded to create new opportunities for collaboration.
The latest discussions highlight Ghana and the Czech Republic’s growing interest in expanding defence cooperation, military technology, security partnerships, healthcare, education and trade.
The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces while promoting local defence industry development, technology transfer and economic growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com