The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Sharren Haskel, has announced that Israel plans to collaborate with the government of Ghana to enhance solar electricity projects as part of efforts to boost the country’s energy sector.
The initiative aims to address challenges related to electricity consumption, ensuring a more reliable power supply to support the nation’s growth.
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday during her official visit to Ghana, Haskel stressed the importance of Israel’s support for Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
She noted that the collaboration is essential not only for improving electricity access but also for fostering bilateral relations between the two countries.
“It is necessary for Israel to support Ghana to achieve this giant initiative so that electricity consumption in the country will not come with challenges,” Haskel stated.
In addition to the energy projects, Haskel revealed Israel’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Again, she pointed out the significant role modern agriculture plays in ensuring food security and encouraging the youth to engage in farming.
“Modern agriculture plays a huge role in promoting food security and encouraging the youth to venture into the sector,” Ms Haskel added.
The deputy minister also mentioned that a modernised agricultural system could offer sustainable growth for the country.
She also underscored the importance of peace in fostering development, especially in Africa.
“Israel’s focus is also on peace in Africa because we believe that war costs a country so much and it is always right to promote peaceful coexistence,” she added, emphasising the need for stability to achieve developmental goals.
Ms Haskel reassured the public that despite regional challenges, Israel remains safe for residents and tourists. “Israel remains safe for those living there and tourists as well,” she affirmed.
The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Roey Gilad, provided an update on bilateral trade between the two nations, revealing that Israel’s exports to Ghana reached $5.4 million in 2024, while imports from Ghana totaled $1.9 million.
However, he expressed concern over a decline in trade volumes in recent years, citing the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on Israel’s economy.
“We are optimistic about increasing these trade volumes moving forward. However, we have observed a decline in recent years. For instance, in 2022, our trade volume was nearly $22 million, but unfortunately, it has decreased since then,” he explained.
Despite the decline in trade, Mr Gilad emphasised the broader scope of economic relations, which include investment opportunities between Israel and Ghana.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
