The Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has announced plans to bolster trade relations between Israel and Ghana in the coming years.
The announcement comes in response to a noticeable decline in trade volumes between the two nations.
Speaking in Accra, Ambassador Gilad revealed that Israel’s exports to Ghana in 2024 amounted to $5.4 million, while imports from Ghana stood at $1.9 million.
He expressed optimism about reversing the trend and boosting bilateral trade.
“We are optimistic about increasing these trade volumes moving forward. However, we have observed a decline in recent years.
For instance, in 2022, our trade volume was nearly $22 million, but unfortunately, it has decreased since then,” he said.
Impact of External Challenges
Ambassador Gilad attributed the decline in trade to various factors, including the economic challenges arising from the ongoing war in Gaza.
He noted that the conflict has significantly affected Israel’s economy, inevitably impacting trade with Ghana.
“These circumstances have inevitably affected our trade figures. Nevertheless, we believe that economic relations extend beyond mere trade; they also encompass investment opportunities,” he remarked.
Strengthening Partnerships
Ambassador Gilad highlighted discussions with the new John Mahama-led administration, emphasizing the need to deepen economic partnerships.
He noted that agriculture, a longstanding pillar of cooperation between the two countries, would remain a priority.
However, he also expressed Israel’s eagerness to explore new fields of collaboration.
“Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our partnership, but we are also eager to explore new fields such as cybersecurity and solar energy,” he stated.
The Ambassador underscored Israel’s commitment to working closely with Ghana’s new administration, including the President, Vice President, and incoming ministers, to strengthen economic ties.
“We are committed to working closely with the new administration to enhance our economic partnership and make it more significant,” he concluded.
The renewed focus on trade and investment between Israel and Ghana is expected to open new opportunities for economic growth and deepen the bond between the two nations.
