Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, met with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Ali Sabri, in Colombo to discuss economic cooperation and her candidacy for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position. The meeting focused on building economic resilience and learning from each other’s experiences in navigating economic crises.

Both countries have faced similar economic challenges, with Sri Lanka experiencing a financial crisis in 2022 and Ghana turning to the IMF for a bailout in 2022 and 2023. However, both countries are now experiencing a turnaround, with inflation rates decreasing and economic growth resuming.

Ms. Botchwey was impressed with Sri Lanka’s green energy transition, which aims to provide 70% of the country’s power needs from renewable sources by 2030. She also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, which is a key component of her vision for the Commonwealth.

The two ministers discussed potential areas of cooperation, including textile and garment production, rice production, and tourism. Mr. Sabri expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to explore further opportunities in Ghana, particularly in the textile industry.

Ms. Botchwey’s vision for the Commonwealth includes promoting democracy, good governance, education, and skills training, as well as increasing trade and investment among member states. She emphasized the need for Commonwealth countries to work together to expand their trade and economic cooperation.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, where Ms. Botchwey’s candidacy for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position will be decided.