Outgoing Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, Mariana Gonçalves Madeira, has commended Ghana’s democratic credentials and regional leadership, as she concludes her tour of duty in the country.
She made the remarks when she paid a courtesy call on Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the Presidency on Friday.
Ambassador Madeira, who assumed duty in Ghana in August 2024, said her tenure gave her the opportunity to witness Ghana’s peaceful transition of power and developments in the country’s political and economic landscape.
She described Ghana as a traditional partner of Brazil, stressing the need to strengthen the longstanding relations between the two countries to address emerging global challenges.
“Brazil sees Ghana as a traditional partner. Our dialogue has always been fluid and our interests converge in a number of things in international forums,” she said.
She said Ghana and Brazil share deep historical and cultural connections, with significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, particularly the cocoa value chain.
Ambassador Madeira said stronger collaboration in cocoa could support smallholder farmers and create opportunities for value addition, country branding and tourism.
Read also:
- Meta fined $567m in largest child safety ruling against social media giant
- South African clothing factories struggle after migrant workers flee
- Former TOR MD conviction: Ghana, US working to pursue others over power plant bribery scheme – Deputy AG
- KNUST Provost Urges Ghanaians To Prioritise Regular Blood Pressure Checks
- Leadership Must Be Rooted In Accountability, Not Ambition -Prof. Opoku-Agyemang
She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries on global issues, including hunger, climate change and their engagement at international organisations.
For her part, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana-Brazil relations go beyond conventional South-South cooperation, describing the relationship as one anchored in shared history, culture and strong people-to-people connections.
“Our relationship goes beyond the usual South-South cooperation. We have other reasons why we have together,” the Vice President said.
She identified agriculture, business, energy, maritime security and multilateral cooperation as key areas in which the two countries could further deepen their partnership.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also acknowledged the historical links between Ghana and Brazil, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation at the United Nations and on global initiatives, including efforts to address hunger and promote development.
She further expressed appreciation for Brazil’s support on issues of historical justice and international cooperation.
The Vice President expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s contribution to strengthening Ghana-Brazil relations and wished her well as she leaves the country.
Ambassador Madeira, in her farewell remarks, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for the support and warmth extended to her throughout her tenure.
“I leave Ghana with a deep admiration for many aspects of the country. Not only its democratic credentials, but its regional leadership that is so well known,” she said.
Both sides expressed confidence that the longstanding relations between Ghana and Brazil would continue to grow.
