Ghana and Belarus are exploring deeper trade and investment cooperation, including a proposal to supply thousands of agricultural machines to support Ghana’s mechanization drive, following talks between senior officials from both countries in Accra.
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare met an eight-member delegation from Belarus led by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov to discuss expanding economic ties between the two countries. The Belarusian team included Deputy Industry Minister Leanid Ryzhkouski and Deputy Agriculture Minister Aliaksandr Yakouvhyts, alongside government officials and business representatives operating in Ghana.
A key proposal discussed was the potential supply of about 3,000 units of agricultural machinery, including tractors and modern farming equipment for ploughing, sowing and harvesting. The equipment is intended to support Ghana’s efforts to raise farm productivity and expand mechanized agriculture.
Ryzhenkov said Belarus is seeking to deepen economic diplomacy with African countries and views Ghana as a strategic partner for expanding trade and investment links. The discussions also covered plans for a state visit by President John Dramani Mahama to Belarus in June. Officials said the visit is expected to advance negotiations on a series of cooperation agreements.
Proposed deals include partnerships between the two countries’ trade chambers, the establishment of a joint trade and economic commission, investment protection agreements and arrangements to avoid double taxation.
Both sides also discussed expanding trade flows. Belarus signaled interest in importing Ghanaian agricultural products including cocoa derivatives, fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Ofosu-Adjare urged Belarusian companies to consider investing in local processing rather than focusing solely on commodity trade. She highlighted opportunities to establish cocoa processing facilities and milk powder production plants in Ghana, which could supply both Belarus and other international markets.
The minister also identified textiles and garments as a potential area for investment, saying Ghana is positioning itself as a manufacturing and value addition hub for regional and global markets. The talks form part of Ghana’s broader push to attract foreign investment into industrial production while diversifying export markets and strengthening economic partnerships beyond traditional trading partners.
