President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s recognition of the sovereign State of Palestine and the country’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The President says Ghana’s engagement with Israel must remain consistent with international law, the protection of civilians and respect for human dignity.

President Mahama restated Ghana’s position while addressing the country’s newly appointed Ambassador-designate to the State of Israel as part of the commissioning of four Ghanaian envoys.

“In carrying out your responsibilities, you must remain clear about Ghana’s position on Palestine, recognise the sovereign State of Palestine and support a viable two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine will live side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised and secure borders,” President Mahama said.

He stressed that Ghana’s international engagements must consistently uphold established principles of international law irrespective of the countries involved.

“Our engagement must consistently uphold international law, the protection of civilians and the dignity of all people,” he stated.

“The credibility of the international system depends on consistently applying these principles.”

Despite Ghana’s position on Palestine, President Mahama said the country would continue to pursue mutually beneficial relations with Israel in areas that could contribute to Ghana’s development.

He identified agriculture, technology, health, water management and education as areas where Ghana could benefit from enhanced cooperation with Israel.

“Ghana’s cooperation with Israel in agriculture, technology, health, water management and education provides opportunities to support our development,” the President said.

He consequently tasked the Ambassador-designate to identify partnerships that would build Ghanaian expertise and respond to clearly defined development needs at home.

President Mahama also directed the envoy to advance discussions on a proposed Labour Mobility Agreement between Ghana and Israel.

He stressed, however, that any arrangement involving the deployment of qualified Ghanaian doctors must protect their rights and welfare while taking into account Ghana’s own health workforce requirements.

The President additionally directed the mission to maintain regular contact with Ghanaian agricultural interns in Israel under the MASHAV programme.

He said their safety, welfare and training conditions require active oversight from Ghana’s diplomatic mission.

“Identify concerns early and address them promptly, drawing on lessons from previous experience,” President Mahama instructed.

The President’s remarks reinforce Ghana’s approach of maintaining bilateral cooperation with Israel while simultaneously recognising Palestine and advocating a negotiated two-state solution.

President Mahama maintained that Ghana’s foreign policy would continue to be guided by international law, peaceful cooperation and the protection of the country’s national interests.