Suriname and Ghana have formalised agreements in New York to further expand their bilateral cooperation in the coming years. The foreign ministers of both countries signed a Joint Declaration for this purpose, focusing, among other things, on political cooperation, sustainable development, climate action and closer ties between CARICOM and Africa.
The declaration was signed by Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation and his Ghanaian counterpart Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama were present.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Through the declaration, both countries aim to further translate their historical, cultural and diplomatic ties into concrete cooperation.
An important part of this is the renewal of the Bilateral Roadmap for the 2026–2029 period. This roadmap is intended to serve as a practical framework in which priorities are set, progress on joint projects is monitored and agreements must be implemented in a timely manner.
Suriname and Ghana also want to hold political consultations more frequently and better coordinate their positions within international organisations. This includes cooperation within the United Nations and issues affecting developing countries, small states and vulnerable economies.
Sustainable development, climate action, international peace and security, reparations and historical justice are also mentioned as areas in which both countries want to cooperate more closely.
More cooperation between CARICOM and Africa
An important point of attention in the declaration is the further strengthening of relations between CARICOM and Africa. From their positions within their respective regions, Suriname and Ghana want to contribute to more intensive political, economic and diplomatic ties.
In that context, President Simons indicated that Suriname, as incoming chair of CARICOM, intends to propose inviting President Mahama as a special guest during the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. That meeting is scheduled to take place in Suriname from 16 to 19 February 2027.
Through the Joint Declaration, Suriname and Ghana seek to give their historical connectedness a more institutional form, with cooperation not only being expanded bilaterally, but also intended to contribute to stronger ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
