President Jokowi, President Akufo-Addo of Ghana Discuss Efforts to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo holds a bilateral meeting with President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Casablanca Room, Mulia Hotel Nusa Dua Bali, on Monday, September 2, 2024. (Photo by: Press Bureau of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a bilateral meeting with President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Casablanca Room, Mulia Hotel Nusa Dua Bali, on Monday, September 2, 2024. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various efforts to strengthen the 65-year bilateral relations between Indonesia and Ghana.

“Welcome to Indonesia, and thank you for your presence. Bilateral relations between Indonesia and Ghana have been established for 65 years, and we need to continue to strengthen them, especially in three main sectors of cooperation,” President Jokowi said.

First, President Jokowi highlighted cooperation in the health sector. The Head of State welcomed the collaboration between state-owned pharmaceutical holding company Bio Farma and Atlantic Lab Science Ghana.

“I hope this cooperation can encourage local vaccine production in Ghana and support vaccination programs in other African countries,” the President said.

In addition, President Jokowi also asked for support from President Akufo-Addo regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on food and drug supervision between the supervisory authorities of the two countries. The President expressed hope that the MoU can strengthen synergy in the Indonesia-Ghana pharmaceutical sector.

Second, President Jokowi proposed the development of cooperation in the energy sector, especially in oil and gas exploration. President Jokowi said Indonesia and Ghana should explore cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including the establishment of an oil refinery in Ghana involving Indonesia.

“This cooperation is expected to increase added value and meet energy needs in Ghana,” President Jokowi said.

Third, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of cooperation in development. According to the President, the cooperation can be adjusted to the needs of Ghana.

“Indonesia is open to cooperating with Ghana in programs that suit Ghana’s needs through the Indonesia Aid mechanism including technical support, scholarships, and vocational training,” the President said. (Press Bureau of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (APN/MUR)