In a high-level diplomatic engagement, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to discuss avenues for deepening bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting in Abu Dhabi focused on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including investment, legal affairs, education, and regional security.

This visit comes amid the UAE's continued strategic outreach to African nations, reinforcing its foreign policy to enhance economic and geopolitical ties.

 

Key Discussion Areas: Trade, Legal Frameworks, and Sustainable Development

Both foreign ministers underscored the importance of building robust legal and institutional frameworks to support long-term cooperation. Discussions included the mutual protection of investments, bilateral trade agreements, and opportunities for legal capacity building in arbitration, commercial law, and cross-border dispute resolution.

The ministers also explored collaborations in renewable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development, aligning with Ghana’s Vision 2030 Agenda and the UAE’s sustainability objectives under the COP28 commitments.

“Our partnership with Ghana represents not just an economic opportunity, but a shared commitment to regional stability, development, and legal harmonization,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, highlighting the UAE’s interest in deepening ties with Africa’s fastest-growing economies.

According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, non-oil trade between the UAE and Ghana surpassed AED 4 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year. Officials noted that this figure reflects the growing confidence of Emirati and Ghanaian businesses in expanding their cross-border commercial footprint.

 

 

Legal Cooperation

Legal experts accompanying the delegation noted that the UAE and Ghana are considering framework agreements to facilitate smoother judicial cooperation, reciprocal recognition of arbitral awards, and bilateral investment treaties (BITs). These efforts are expected to reduce legal uncertainty and foster investor confidence, especially for UAE-based businesses operating in West Africa and vice versa.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on legal affairs and judicial training is reportedly being developed. This initiative promotes exchange programs between the UAE's Ministry of Justice, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and Ghana's Judicial Training Institute.

“The legal foundation of any bilateral relationship is critical. Ghana and the UAE have taken meaningful steps to ensure that cooperation is supported not just by goodwill, but by enforceable and predictable legal instruments,” said Dr. Yaw Oppong, a legal scholar and consultant who has advised on African–Gulf investment policy.

 

Diplomatic Momentum: A Growing UAE–Africa Engagement Strategy

This latest engagement follows a broader UAE strategy to establish stronger diplomatic, legal, and economic relations across Africa. In recent years, the UAE has opened over a dozen embassies across the continent, participated in African Union forums, and signed significant investment and legal cooperation agreements with Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Ethiopia.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, emphasized Ghana’s openness to UAE expertise in infrastructure financing, legal reform, and capacity building, citing the UAE as a reliable and forward-looking partner.

“This visit reaffirms our mutual dedication to principles of rule of law, transparent governance, and shared prosperity. Ghana is committed to expanding our partnership with the UAE in a sustainable, fair, and strategically aligned manner," she stated during the session's closing.

 

Security and Multilateral Coordination

Beyond economic and legal matters, both nations agreed to increase coordination on regional security challenges, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity. The ministers pledged to work more closely within international frameworks such as the United Nations, African Union, and Arab League, particularly on conflict prevention and peacekeeping initiatives.

The UAE has previously supported peacekeeping and post-conflict stabilization efforts in the Sahel region, a matter of shared interest with Ghana, which has contributed extensively to UN peacekeeping missions across Africa.

 

Future Outlook

With continued high-level exchanges and deepening institutional frameworks, the UAE-Ghana relationship is poised to evolve into a multi-dimensional partnership grounded in legal clarity, shared values, and economic interdependence.

Further announcements, including a bilateral legal summit and trade forum to be held in Dubai later this year, are expected to formalize several of the initiatives discussed during this visit.

 

Key Takeaways

• UAE and Ghana foreign ministers met in Abu Dhabi to advance strategic cooperation.

• Discussions covered trade, legal affairs, judicial collaboration, and regional security.

• Legal frameworks, including BITs and arbitration agreements, are under review.

• UAE-Ghana non-oil trade surpassed AED 4 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in 2023.

• A bilateral legal summit is expected in Dubai later this year to solidify joint initiatives.

 

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