President Hakainde Hichilema undertook a State Visit to the Republic of Ghana, from 7^th to 9^th July 2023, at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. The President was accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema.

The purpose of the visit was to explore and harness the immense potential for enhanced cooperation in various sectors of social and economic development between Zambia and Ghana.

During the visit, President Hichilema and President Akufo-Addo held bilateral talks which focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. The two leaders later presided over the signing of a range of Memoranda of Understanding in crucial sectors, including trade and export promotion, tourism and culture, skills promotion, youth and sports, science and technology, and collaborative efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking. These agreements will reinforce the foundation for fruitful collaboration and mutual growth.

While in Ghana, the President was among the four individuals awarded an Honourary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) by Valley View University of Ghana. The award was conferred on President Hichilema in recognition of his commitment to democracy, freedom and the Christian faith.

In addition, President Hichilema visited the Zoomlion Waste Management Plant, renowned for its expertise in waste management and environmental sanitation. The tour of the plant was aimed at exploring the potential for replicating this successful model in Zambia, which has provided employment opportunities for over 76,000 Ghanaian youth.

As part of the engagements lined up, the President visited the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park in Accra where he paid tribute to the Founding Father of Ghana, Pan-Africanist and icon of African liberation. President Hichilema also held a meeting with the Zambians living in Ghana on key issues of interest pertaining to the Diaspora.

The State Visit was a culmination of the inaugural session of the Zambia–Ghana Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation which was held in April 2023. Both Zambia and Ghana are acknowledged as beacons of Democratic Governance, with their respective Heads of State championing peace, security, and stability as prerequisites for sustainable socio-economic development.

President Hichilema’s visit to Ghana is, therefore, poised to invigorate the long-standing bilateral ties and pave the way for increased intra-African trade, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to promote regional integration and prosperity.

President Hichilema returned to Zambia on 9^th July, 2023.