Ghana, Singapore Deepen Cooperation On Carbon Markets, Agriculture And Jobs

SINGAPORE, Aug 27 (Muzicgh) – Ghana and Singapore on Wednesday advanced discussions on sustainable development, value-added agriculture and job creation, anchoring their talks on a pioneering carbon markets agreement and opportunities to expand agro-processing in West Africa.

During bilateral talks in Singapore, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam described the partnership as a landmark, noting that Singapore became the first Asian country to sign an implementation agreement with Ghana on carbon credits, while Ghana was the first African nation to do so. He said the framework could channel much-needed investment into low-carbon growth.

“Other areas of interest are agribusiness, downstream processing of products like cashew, cocoa… and we are ready and glad to pursue them together,” Tharman said.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, on a three-day state visit, said his administration is prioritising job creation through a dual focus on modern agriculture and services under his “Reset Agenda.”

“On tackling the challenge with jobs, agribusiness has space for work and lots of employment, and we have, as part of our Reset Agenda, put a lot of focus on it,” Mahama said.

He cited Ghana’s agricultural potential, highlighting the Volta Economic Corridor, where more than 2 million hectares of land are available for irrigated farming, agro-processing parks and related investments. “That surely will be another game changer under our Resetting Ghana and the 24-hour economy programme,” he added.

Mahama also emphasised the role of the creative and digital services sector in reducing youth unemployment, calling it “a rapid employer” that generates jobs at a faster pace than traditional markets.

Tharman acknowledged Ghana’s employment challenge but said Singapore was committed to supporting green industrial projects and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Mahama framed the partnership as aligned with Ghana’s role in Africa’s wider integration drive under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also congratulated Singapore on its 60th independence anniversary, saying Ghana’s focus was now on turning recent economic stabilisation into “sustainable, job-rich growth” through green finance, downstream processing and digital opportunities.