Ghana, Czech to Deepen Ties With Joint Ventures, Equipment Support to Fight Galamsey
Ghana and the Czech Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in defence and security, with a new focus on joint ventures, technology transfer and support for Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
The commitment was made when the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana, His Excellency Pavel Bilek and the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Nick Ojo Omorodion, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Defence, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
A key highlight of the meeting was the Czech Republic’s readiness to provide equipment and expertise to support Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to pose a major threat to the country’s environment and water bodies.
Ambassador Bilek described Ghana and the Czech Republic as strategic partners in defence and security and commended Ghana for maintaining peace and democratic stability since independence, despite the security challenges confronting the wider Sahel region.
He noted that the Czech Republic was also contributing to international efforts to address insecurity in the region, including through the deployment of its troops and equipment, and remains ready to strengthen cooperation with Ghana through joint ventures, defence equipment supply and capacity building.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei expressed appreciation for the congratulatory message extended to him following his appointment and described relations between the two countries as cordial and anchored in shared values.
He commended the Czech Republic for its continued support to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), particularly in the training of pilots, scholarships and capacity building, as well as the supply and maintenance of modern defence equipment.
Hon Adjei said Ghana is ready to explore further collaboration in defence equipment development and joint ventures with the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC), which he said will contribute to local capacity development, technology transfer and economic growth.
The Minister also highlighted the success of the Ghana-Czech health partnership, particularly the Medivac initiative launched in 2019, which he described as a “beacon of hope” for many Ghanaian families.
He noted that the collaboration between the Czech medical team and the GAF had provided high-quality medical care across the country, resulting in 261 surgeries while also strengthening the capabilities of Ghanaian medical personnel.
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