Ghana and Colombia have signed a historic agreement to establish direct maritime trade links between the Port of Tema in Ghana and the Port of Cartagena in Colombia.

The landmark deal, finalised after successful negotiations in Bogotá, is expected to boost trade between Africa and Latin America.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, praised Colombia’s First Vice President, Francia Elena Márquez Mina, the first Afro-Colombian to hold the position, for her leadership in championing the initiative.

He also commended Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio for her commitment to the project.

In a Facebook post, Minister Ablakwa highlighted the historical significance of the agreement.

“It is most inspiring to see how the Atlantic Ocean corridor linking our two countries, which previously represented the horror of slavery and a mass grave, is now being deliberately transformed into a voyage of opportunity, job creation, and economic empowerment,” he said.

The agreement is expected to strengthen commercial exchanges, create employment opportunities, and deepen diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and Colombia.

Minister Ablakwa concluded by celebrating the milestone, writing: “Long live our fantastic Ghana-Colombia relations.”