President Akufo-Addo (3rd from right), with Edgars Rinkēvičs, Latvian Foreign Minister (3rd from left), Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (2nd, right) and members of the delegation after the meeting
The governments of Ghana and Latvia have resolved to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
It follows the visit to Ghana by the Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Speaking at a meeting with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Monday, April 17, 2023, Edgars Rinkēvič said his visit was to reciprocate an earlier one by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey some five years ago.
He, therefore, noted that the visit is aimed at strengthening the already excellent relations that exist between Ghana and Latvia.
Apart from the official government team that accompanied the Latvian minister, a 17-member business delegation are also in the country to explore business opportunities.
Mr. Rinkēvičs said on reaching the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), he noticed that all the equipment that are used in scanning passengers were made in Latvia.
That, he said, was a clear sign that there exist business opportunities in Ghana for Latvian businesses, and they will use their visit to unearth those avenues and opportunities.
On matters of security in the West Africa Region, the Latvian diplomat observed that just as Latvia is helping to deal with the volatile security situation in Eastern Europe as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the government of Latvia is committed to supporting Ghana and the rest of the region to deal with the treats of violent extremism and terrorism.
In welcoming the Latvian Minister and his delegation, President Akufo-Addo expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with Latvia in the areas of trade, commence and security.
He added that there exists a strong basis for Ghana to seek stronger ties with Latvia.
Even though far from Ghana, the President said evidence available points to the fact that Latvia already has strong investment footprints in Ghana.
He expressed appreciation to the Latvian government for supporting efforts at guaranteeing the security of the West Africa Region.
He added that all future plans and support in that regard are very welcomed and was looking forward to same.
Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a head of government, the Prime Minister, who chooses the Council of Ministers and a head of state, the President, who has a largely ceremonial role and nominates the Prime Minister.
The government remains subject to parliament’s approval throughout each term.
The country is subdivided into 110 one-level municipalities and nine cities which have their own city councils and municipal administrations.
The most important sectors of Latvia’s economy in 2020 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (23.1%), public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (18.1%) and industry (15.4%).
Intra-EU trade accounts for 62% of Latvia’s exports (Lithuania 15%, Estonia 11% and Germany 7%), while outside the EU 13% go to Russia and 5% to the United Kingdom.
In terms of imports, 76% come from EU Member States (Lithuania 17%, Germany and Poland 10%), while outside the EU 6% come from Russia and 2% from Belarus.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent