Ghana VP to meet with gov’t, private sector & sign cooperation agreement with Guyana

The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia arrived in Guyana on Saturday and his visit is expected to intensify cooperation between Guyana and Ghana.

The Vice President was welcomed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; he will depart Guyana on Tuesday after hosting a press conference with Guyana’s Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ghanaian Vice President is leading an 18-member official delegation and members of the West African country’s private sector.

During his time in Guyana, the Ghanaian team is expected to participate in several high-level engagements including discussions with President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Phillips, Dr. Jagdeo and other Ministers of Government.

The Ghanaian team is also expected to meet with the local private sector. And, Vice President Bawumia will engage members of the Ghanaian diaspora and visit the University of Guyana.

The Ghanaian Vice President’s visit to Guyana is part of a string of recent engagements between Guyana and Ghana. Just recently, Dr Jagdeo visited Ghana and engaged the Ghanaian authorities on a number of authorities on areas of mutual interest.

After Dr. Jagdeo’s visit, in November, an advanced Ghanaian private sector team spent several days scoping out opportunities in Guyana.

Notably, Guyana has been seeking Ghana’s assistance in amending the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and Local Content legislation for the management of the oil and gas sector. Both pieces of legislation are expected to be tabled in the National Assembly before the end of this year.

At a recent press conference, President Ali announced that Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo will participate in the major oil and gas conference billed for early next year.