Ghana and Latvia Strengthen Ties on Security and Trade
Ghana and Latvia have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, security, and international diplomacy after high-level talks between Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Latvia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Baiba Braže, in Riga.
The meeting, held on February 2, 2026, focused on bilateral relations, economic opportunities, regional security challenges in Europe and West Africa, and collaboration within international organisations. It was part of Mr Ablakwa’s two-day working visit to Latvia.
Welcoming her Ghanaian counterpart, Minister Braže said the talks built on earlier engagements between the two countries at the Africa–EU Partnership and the Paris Peace Forum. She stressed that both nations share a strong interest in expanding practical cooperation.
Latvia highlighted existing trade links with Ghana, which are currently dominated by cereals, milling products, and electrical appliances. Minister Braže said her country is keen to expand into higher value-added sectors such as ICT, digitalisation, and green technologies, areas where Ghana has shown interest. She also pointed to agriculture and food processing as promising fields for future collaboration.
Security issues featured prominently in the discussions. The ministers exchanged views on Russia’s war in Ukraine and instability in West Africa. Minister Braže described the conflict as having global consequences, particularly for food and energy security. She accused Russia of misleading and recruiting citizens from other countries, including Africa, to fight against Ukraine.
On international cooperation, the Latvian Foreign Minister praised Ghana’s role as a member of the United Nations Security Council, noting that both countries share common principles such as respect for international law and opposition to changing borders by force.
Minister Ablakwa briefed his Latvian counterpart on security challenges in West Africa, including terrorist threats in the Sahel region. He stressed that instability in the Sahel has direct implications for European security and highlighted Russia’s destabilising influence in the region.
Development cooperation was also discussed. Latvia expressed growing interest in working with African partners and shared lessons from a recent agricultural project implemented in Ghana.
Mr Ablakwa’s visit to Latvia included meetings with Latvian businesses and innovation hubs in information technology and energy. He also toured the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia as part of the official programme.
The talks mark a step forward in Ghana–Latvia relations, with both countries pledging to strengthen economic ties and work together on global security challenges.
