Ghana, Lebanon explore new frontiers for trade and diplomatic cooperation
Ghana has proposed a visa waiver agreement with Lebanon for holders of diplomatic, service and ordinary passports as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote travel, trade and investment between the two countries.
The proposal was announced by Ghana’s Ambassador to Lebanon, with residence in Cairo, Egypt, Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah, during the presentation of his Letters of Credence to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The proposed agreement is expected to enhance people-to-people relations, encourage business exchanges and reinforce the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Lebanon. Prof. Korantwi-Barimah expressed Ghana’s willingness to collaborate with the Lebanese government to identify new areas of cooperation and advance shared interests.
Enduring diplomatic relations
The Ambassador conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama, the Ghanaian government and the people of Ghana to President Aoun and the people of Lebanon.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries, which date back to the early years of Ghana’s independence in 1957.
According to him, Lebanon was the second country in the Middle East with which Ghana established formal diplomatic relations, highlighting the historical importance of the partnership.
He noted that the relationship predated the formal establishment of diplomatic ties and had grown over the years through trade, social interactions and the settlement of Lebanese nationals in Ghana.
Prof. Korantwi-Barimah said the integration of the Lebanese community into Ghanaian society reflected the strong bonds of friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.
He added that Ghana recognised the Lebanese community’s contributions to its social and economic development and remained committed to strengthening the relationship for the benefit of both countries.
Trade and investment
On economic cooperation, the Ambassador praised Lebanese businesses for their longstanding investments in Ghana, describing them as valuable contributors to the country’s economic development.
He said Ghana was interested in expanding cooperation with Lebanon in areas such as hospitality, education, healthcare, trade and tourism.
According to him, stronger partnerships in these sectors could create investment opportunities, facilitate knowledge and skills transfer, generate employment and support sustainable economic growth in both countries.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to engage the Lebanese government and private sector to develop practical initiatives that would translate the longstanding friendship between the two nations into tangible economic gains.
Multilateral cooperation
Prof. Korantwi-Barimah also expressed Ghana’s appreciation for Lebanon’s support for the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognises the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
He described Lebanon’s support as a demonstration of international solidarity and recognition of the importance of historical truth, justice and human dignity.
The Ambassador further highlighted Ghana’s longstanding participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), noting that the country’s contribution reflected its commitment to promoting international peace and security.
He reiterated Ghana’s support for peaceful conflict resolution and diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing dialogue, stability and security at both regional and international levels.
He also expressed Ghana’s interest in deepening cooperation with Lebanon on shared concerns, including peace and security, sustainable development and relations between Africa and the Middle East.
Labour and migration
On labour and migration, Prof. Korantwi-Barimah welcomed ongoing discussions between the two governments to establish appropriate frameworks for managing labour mobility and migration.
He said cooperation in this area could promote orderly migration, strengthen institutional collaboration and improve the welfare and protection of workers in line with the laws of both countries and their international obligations.
The Ambassador expressed Ghana’s willingness to work with relevant Lebanese authorities to develop practical arrangements that address the concerns of both nations.
Renewed commitment to cooperation
Prof. Korantwi-Barimah reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with the Lebanese government and relevant institutions to strengthen collaboration at bilateral and multilateral levels.
He expressed confidence that continued dialogue and mutual understanding would open up further opportunities for cooperation and deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
He also thanked President Aoun for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation, expressing optimism about a productive tenure focused on advancing the shared interests of Ghana and Lebanon.
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