Ghana–Namibia relations must be people-centred – Gunu

James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, emphasizes that Ghana-Namibia relations should prioritize people, focusing on unlocking business prospects for citizens and strengthening collaborations between educational institutions. He highlights the importance of generating youth opportunities, promoting trade and investment, boosting tourism, enhancing skills development, and fostering entrepreneurship.

Mr. Gunu made these points during a meeting with the Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, during her tour of the region.

Mr. Gunu stresses the need to create platforms for young people from both nations to exchange business ideas and entrepreneurial skills. He also highlights the significance of promoting each other's tourism sectors, utilizing shared heritage as active economic assets. The Minister reminds that while former generations fought for political liberation, the present generation must leverage this freedom to achieve economic independence, create decent jobs, build human capital, and improve living standards for both countries.

The Namibian High Commissioner is on a strategic mission to the Volta Region to explore opportunities for bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation, targeting high-growth sectors like agriculture and agribusinesses, tourism and culture exchange, trade and investment. Mrs. Nghituwamata points out the historical ties between the two countries and notes that the Namibian mission has identified the Volta Region as a prime investment hub due to its unique advantages.

The region boasts a rich agricultural potential, a thriving tourism industry, extensive coastal and fisheries resources, a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, and strategic proximity as a gateway to neighboring West African nations. Mr. William Dzemefe, the Volta Regional Director of Agriculture, emphasizes the region's immense agricultural potential and its critical role in Ghana's food security.

He explains that the region generates about 23% of the country's total rice output, contributing significantly to national self-sufficiency goals. Mr. Dzemefe also highlights the region's reputation for producing high-quality vegetables, supplying both domestic and regional markets.