Ghana, Lebanon explore new frontiers for trade and diplomatic cooperation

Ghana has proposed a visa waiver agreement with Lebanon covering holders of diplomatic, service and ordinary passports as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations and facilitate travel, trade and investment between the two countries.

The proposal was highlighted by Ghana's Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon, with residence in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah, during his presentation of Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Lebanon, H.E. Joseph Aoun, in Beirut on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The proposed agreement is expected to strengthen people-to-people contacts, promote business exchanges and consolidate the longstanding bonds of friendship between Ghana and Lebanon. Prof. Korantwi-Barimah expressed Ghana's readiness to work closely with the Lebanese government to explore new avenues for cooperation and advance shared interests in various sectors.

Enduring diplomatic relations

The Ambassador conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and the people of Ghana to President Aoun and the people of Lebanon. He reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to strengthening the cordial relations between the two countries, which date back to the early years of Ghana's independence in 1957.

He noted that Lebanon was the second country in the Middle East with which Ghana established formal diplomatic relations, underscoring the historical significance of the relationship. According to him, the ties between the two countries predated the establishment of formal diplomatic relations and had been strengthened over the years through commercial exchanges, people-to-people contacts and the settlement of Lebanese nationals in Ghana.

He observed that the integration of the Lebanese community into Ghanaian society demonstrated the enduring friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

The Ambassador said Ghana valued the contributions of the Lebanese community to the country's social and economic development and remained committed to building on the longstanding relationship for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Trade and investment

On economic cooperation, Prof. Korantwi-Barimah commended Lebanese businesses for their longstanding investments in Ghana, describing them as important partners in the country's economic development.

He expressed Ghana's interest in expanding economic cooperation with Lebanon, particularly in hospitality, education, healthcare, trade and tourism. He said closer collaboration in those sectors could create investment opportunities, facilitate the exchange of expertise and contribute to employment creation and sustainable economic growth in both countries.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Ghana's readiness to engage the Lebanese government and private sector to identify practical initiatives that would translate the longstanding friendship between the two countries into tangible economic benefits.

Multilateral cooperation

Prof. Korantwi-Barimah also expressed Ghana's appreciation to Lebanon for its support for the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250 concerning the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. He described the support as an expression of international solidarity and a recognition of the importance of historical truth, justice and human dignity.

The Ambassador further highlighted Ghana's longstanding contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), saying the country's participation reflected its commitment to international peace and security.

He reaffirmed Ghana's support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, stability and security at the regional and international levels.

He also expressed Ghana's interest in strengthening engagement with Lebanon on matters of mutual concern, 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 discussions between the two governments to establish appropriate frameworks for managing labour mobility and migration. He said cooperation in the area could promote the orderly management of migration, strengthen institutional collaboration and improve the welfare and protection of workers, in accordance with applicable national laws and international obligations.

He expressed Ghana's willingness to engage the relevant Lebanese authorities to explore practical arrangements that would address the concerns of both countries.

Renewed commitment

The Ambassador reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to working with the Lebanese government and relevant institutions to strengthen cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and mutual understanding would create further opportunities for collaboration and deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Prof. Korantwi-Barimah also expressed appreciation to President Aoun for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation, adding that he looked forward to a productive tenure focused on advancing the shared interests of Ghana and Lebanon.