Ghana and Norway have formalised a comprehensive Political Consultations Agreement aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including maritime security, energy, education, and artificial intelligence. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring both nations’ commitment to deepening strategic ties on 22nd September, 2025.
The accord was endorsed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Norway’s Minister for International Development, Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, during a bilateral engagement in New York. It is anticipated that the new framework will serve as a springboard for broader collaboration between the two nations. Among the critical areas identified for intensified cooperation are oil and gas, agribusiness, trade facilitation, education, maritime security, and the blue economy. Emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and intelligence sharing also featured prominently in discussions.
Both delegations took the opportunity to exchange views on regional security, particularly the escalating threats within the Sahel and broader West African subregion. Ghana emphasised the urgent need to revitalise the Accra Initiative, a security cooperation framework among West African nations, and called for increased international backing—not only through financial assistance, but also via the provision of technical expertise, equipment, and sustained multilateral engagement.
Norway, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to Ghana, pledged continued support in the areas of research and peacebuilding. In particular, Minister Aukrust noted Norway’s intention to strengthen collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, a pivotal institution in regional security and conflict resolution. As part of the broader diplomatic engagement in New York, Ghana also signed a targeted agreement with Norway focused on the enhancement of maritime security and logistical capabilities. This deal is expected to significantly benefit Ghana’s coastal and fishing communities, many of which have been adversely affected by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the agreement includes the introduction of advanced technologies and capacity-building programmes to safeguard fish stocks and support the sustainability of the marine sector. “Norway remains a very strategic partner, and we are relying on our relations to advance those very fantastic bilateral relations,” he remarked following the ceremony. “We have discussed how we can improve on security, intelligence sharing, and looking at the threat from the Sahel. Norway is working within the larger EU community.” He further referenced Norway’s previous contribution of $50 million worth of military equipment and hardware to Ghana, describing it as a testament to the Nordic country’s tangible commitment to strengthening Ghana’s defence infrastructure and territorial integrity.
Although the precise terms of the new maritime agreement were not publicly disclosed, a statement from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the deal forms part of an expansive diplomatic effort aimed at enhancing the country’s global economic and political partnerships. Both countries, currently serving as Co-Chairs of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, have pledged to demonstrate joint leadership in promoting marine conservation, inclusive development, and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The agreements signed in New York reflect Ghana’s proactive diplomatic posture on the international stage. By forging deeper bilateral alliances, the government is pursuing sustainable and mutually beneficial solutions to pressing national and regional challenges.
