The Ministerial Session of the inaugural Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Ghana and Sierra Leone was held in Accra on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026 under the co-chairmanship of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Honourable Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali. It was preceded by a Technical Session which took place from 21st to 22nd April, 2026.
In his remarks, Mr. Ablakwa noted that the PJCC serves as a strategic platform to translate the long-standing fraternal relations between Ghana and Sierra Leone into concrete partnerships that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods. He underscored the importance of prioritising implementation of agreements, memoranda of understanding and effective follow-up to ensure that the outcomes of the Session are translated into tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries.
He further highlighted key areas of cooperation such as trade and investment, agriculture, energy, health, defence and security, as well as tourism and cultural exchanges, noting that these sectors present significant opportunities for job creation, economic transformation and shared prosperity. He also recalled cooperation between the two countries in the past including health emergencies, natural disasters among others.
On her part, Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Sierra Leonean delegation and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Ghana. She emphasised that the PJCC reflects the shared vision of the leadership of both countries to transform historic relations into a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership anchored in solidarity and development cooperation.
The Ministerial Session was concluded with the signing of six (6) Memoranda of Understanding and one (1) Agreement in the following areas:
i. Agreement on Defence/Military Cooperation;
ii. Memorandum of Understanding Electric Power Development and Management;
iii. Memorandum of Understanding on Intelligence and Security Cooperation;
iv. Memorandum of Understanding on Cocoa Sector Development Cooperation;
v. Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations;
vi. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts;
vii. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Health
The Session brought together senior government officials and technical experts in various fields to deliberate on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides assured of their commitment to sustain engagement, effective implementation and continuous monitoring of agreed initiatives. The inaugural Session signified a defining moment in Ghana–Sierra Leone relations.
