The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray in his farewell tribute to the outgoing Ghanaian High Commissioner, His Excellency Senator Kwabla Yawlui, commended him for his distinguished service and significant contributions that have contributed in the strengthening of the Ghana-Sierra Leone relation.
Minister Swaray expressed government’s appreciation of High Commissioner Yawlui’s diplomatic works, which supported seven bilateral instruments covering defence, energy, health, agriculture, fisheries and culture.
The Minister also recognised the High Commissioner’s role in establishing the African Group of Ambassadors and restoring the Ghana-Sierra Leone Permanent Joint Commission (PJCC), whose inaugural meeting was held in Accra.
Minister Swaray further acknowledged High Commissioner Yawlui’s professionalism, dedication and commitment to duty, noting that his service had left a lasting impression on relations between the two countries.
“The African Group of Ambassadors platform you helped forge has become a vital instrument for greater coordination, solidarity and collective purpose among our continent’s diplomatic missions, and that legacy will surely endure” Minister Swaray noted.
The Sierra Leone Foreign Minister went to note that the Ghana-Sierra Leone relation extends beyond formal diplomatic engagements, reflecting on shared history, mutual respect and an enduring people-to-people tie. He also commended the outgoing Ghanaian High Commissioner’s contributions to preparations for the PJCC meeting, describing its successful revival as an important milestone in bilateral cooperation.
“Architecture alone does not build the future; action does,” Minister Swaray stated, adding, “Our priority now must be implementation, turning decisions and agreements into living, breathing outcomes that touch citizens’ lives.”
Minister Swaray reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to implementing bilateral memorandums and resolutions, particularly in trade, education, security and other areas of mutual interest.
“Your tenure has laid the groundwork; now we must walk the road; for that vision, dedication and nurtured friendship, we thank you most sincerely,” Minister Swaray acknowledged, pointing out that the renewed PJCC should serve as a practical mechanism for delivering measurable projects rather than remaining a symbolic diplomatic arrangement.
The Minister encouraged the outgoing Ghanaian High Commissioner to support cooperation in culture, tourism and investment through his continued engagements with the National Investment Board and the Tourism Commission. He also called for sustained collaboration amid declining official development assistance worldwide.
Minister Swaray noted that with Ghana playing a leading role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it offers both countries an opportunity to transform regional market access and demographic strength into shared prosperity.
Responding, High Commissioner Yawlui expressed confidence that the incoming Ghanaian High Commissioner will inherit a framework focused on producing tangible results for both countries.
He praised the beauty of the Sierra Leone’s landscape, and recalled visiting beaches near Freetown and pledged to continue promoting Sierra Leone’s tourism sector after returning to Accra.
He identified the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, expanding hotel capacity and Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of an ECOWAS Summit as evidence of the country’s growing potential as an international conference destination.
The outgoing Ghanaian High Commissioner highlighted opportunities in agriculture, mining and tourism. He said the conference centre and supporting hotel facilities would position Freetown and Lungi to host major African and international events.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the global decline in development assistance and emphasised the importance of maximizing AfCFTA opportunities. He expressed confidence that Sierra Leone’s peace and stability would attract more visitors, while reaffirming his commitment to promoting the country and maintaining the strong friendship developed during his tenure.
CREDIT: Amara Kargbo