Ghana renews solidarity with Cuba and strengthens bilateral cooperation
Story by: Regina Bless
Ghana has reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and solidarity with Cuba following a meeting between Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Cuban counterpart, Comrade Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla.
The meeting, held on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, focused on strengthening Ghana-Cuba relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Ghana to renew its solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba while exploring practical areas for deeper bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening health cooperation
Healthcare remained one of the key areas discussed by the two ministers.
Ghana and Cuba have maintained longstanding cooperation in the health sector, including the deployment of Cuban medical volunteers to Ghana and the training of Ghanaian medical doctors in Cuba.
The ministers reviewed this partnership and discussed opportunities to strengthen existing cooperation while identifying additional areas where the two countries can work together to improve healthcare delivery and capacity.
Scholarships, energy and agriculture
The discussions also covered scholarships and professional training, energy cooperation, agriculture and broader economic engagement.
Particular attention was given to opportunities for technical collaboration to help address challenges in Ghana’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Strengthening technical exchanges and sharing expertise could provide opportunities for both countries to support development priorities while expanding the scope of their bilateral relationship.
Ghana expresses solidarity with Cuba
Minister Ablakwa conveyed Ghana’s solidarity with the Cuban Government and people as the country continues to face significant economic and other challenges.
He commended the resilience of the Cuban people and reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding friendship and support for Cuba.
The two sides also exchanged views on international developments, including the importance of solidarity among developing countries, respect for national sovereignty and international law, and stronger multilateral cooperation.
Call for lifting of sanctions against Cuba
In line with President John Dramani Mahama’s position expressed during his address to the United Nations, Ghana reiterated its call for the unconditional lifting of sanctions against Cuba.
The issue reflects Ghana’s broader position on international cooperation and its call for developing countries to have greater opportunities to pursue their economic and social development without restrictive external measures.
Relief support for Cuba
The Ghanaian side also welcomed confirmation that relief items donated to Cuba by Ghana in November 2025, during a period of crisis, arrived in good condition and made an impact.
The successful delivery and reception of the assistance was described as another reflection of the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
Honouring Fidel Castro’s centenary
During the meeting, Minister Ablakwa also conveyed Ghana’s congratulations on the centenary anniversary of Comrade Fidel Castro, recognising the historical significance of the former Cuban leader in Ghana-Cuba relations and the wider relationship between Cuba and countries of the Global South.
The latest engagement demonstrates Ghana and Cuba’s intention to maintain their longstanding partnership while pursuing practical areas of cooperation in healthcare, education, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and pursuing initiatives capable of delivering tangible benefits for the people of Ghana and Cuba.