Ghana and Germany deepen cooperation on investment, railways, migration and security

Story by: Regina Bless

Ghana and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest following a high-level meeting between their respective foreign ministers in New York.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, met Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Johann Wadephul, on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions covered economic cooperation, investment, railway infrastructure, migration and labour mobility, regional security, and Ghana’s reparatory justice agenda.

Expanding economic and investment cooperation

A key focus of the meeting was the potential for increased economic cooperation between Ghana and Germany.

The two ministers discussed opportunities for German companies to expand their operations in Ghana, with the aim of strengthening investment and creating greater economic linkages between the two countries.

Railway infrastructure and engineering also featured prominently in the discussions as Ghana pursues efforts to revitalise and modernise its rail network.

The potential for German expertise and investment in railway development could support Ghana’s broader ambitions to improve transportation infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across the country.

Exploring legal pathways for labour mobility

Migration and labour mobility were also central to the discussions.

The ministers explored the possibility of establishing structured labour exchange programmes that could provide legal pathways for skilled Ghanaian workers to access employment opportunities in Germany.

Such arrangements could help connect Ghanaian skills with labour-market opportunities abroad while providing a more structured framework for mobility between the two countries.

The discussions also covered irregular migration, with both sides recognising the importance of addressing some of its underlying causes.

Skills development, education and employment opportunities were identified as important areas through which countries can help create sustainable alternatives and reduce pressures that contribute to irregular migration.

Concerns over security in the Sahel

The deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and the threat posed by violent extremism were also discussed.

The two ministers stressed the need for stronger regional and international coordination in responding to emerging security threats and preventing the further spread of violent extremist activities.

Another issue raised was the recruitment and trafficking of African youth into the Russia–Ukraine war.

Minister Ablakwa and Minister Wadephul reaffirmed the importance of preventing the exploitation of African nationals for participation in armed conflicts and addressing networks that facilitate such recruitment and trafficking.

Cooperation on reparatory justice and cultural heritage

Minister Ablakwa also commended Germany for its engagement with Ghana on the country’s reparatory justice agenda.

Particular attention was given to cooperation concerning the return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage.

The issue forms part of broader discussions about historical injustices, cultural heritage and the responsibilities of institutions and countries in addressing the legacy of colonial-era dispossession.

Moving from dialogue to implementation

The meeting concluded with an understanding that Ghana and Germany would maintain close consultations and identify practical areas for further cooperation.

Both sides also agreed to work towards concluding an implementation strategy covering the important issues discussed.

The engagement in New York therefore provided an opportunity for Ghana and Germany to broaden their bilateral relationship beyond traditional diplomatic ties, with economic investment, infrastructure, labour mobility, security and cultural heritage emerging as key areas for continued cooperation.

As both countries work to translate the discussions into practical programmes, the implementation of agreed initiatives will be important in determining the extent to which the renewed cooperation delivers tangible benefits for citizens of Ghana and Germany.