By Princetta Williams, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone High Commission, Accra
A Ministerial Session of the inaugural Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Ghana and Sierra Leone concluded on Thursday, 23 April 2026, with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding and one bilateral agreement.
The signing ceremony followed technical-level engagements between delegations from both countries, building on discussions initiated after a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone in 2025.
In his opening remarks, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), described the PJCC as a key platform for translating the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries into practical and tangible cooperation.
He assured that Ghana remains committed to ensuring effective implementation of all agreements reached, with strong follow-up mechanisms to guarantee that outcomes deliver real benefits to citizens of both countries.
Minister Ablakwa highlighted priority areas of cooperation, including agriculture, energy, defence and security, health, and trade and investment, noting that these sectors present significant opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
On her part, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali, reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Ghana. She stated that the establishment of the PJCC reflects the shared vision of both countries’ leadership to transform historic ties into a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership anchored in solidarity and development cooperation.
The session culminated in the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding and one agreement covering Defence/Military Cooperation, Electric Power Development and Management, Intelligence and Security Cooperation, Cocoa Sector Development, Political Consultations, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Health Cooperation.
Both co-chairpersons, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) and Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali, pledged continued engagement, effective implementation, and robust monitoring of all agreements reached.
Sierra Leone’s delegation was led by Deputy Minister Francess Piagie Alghali and included the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Alan Charles Logan, along with technical experts from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The delegation was supported by Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, alongside diplomatic staff of the Sierra Leone High Commission.
