Sports Minister positions Ghana as Strategic Partner at 13th WCI Forum, Strengthens ties with Türkiye

Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams represented Ghana at the 13th World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum in Istanbul, where government leaders, business executives, and policymakers converged to discuss pathways for global cooperation and investment.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Adams held a bilateral meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade.

The discussions reinforced the strong and growing partnership between Ghana and Türkiye, with focus areas spanning technology, agriculture, industrial investment, and trade expansion.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up cooperation to support job creation, infrastructure development, and knowledge exchange.

Aviation and Connectivity

A key outcome of the meeting was Ghana’s request for Turkish Airlines to increase its flights to Ghana from 12 to 14 per week, allowing for two daily flights to Accra.

This proposal, well-received by Turkish authorities, will enhance connectivity between the two nations.

The Minister emphasised that such expansion is crucial to Ghana’s goal of becoming a hub for trade, tourism, and investment in West Africa, while also facilitating easier movement for entrepreneurs, professionals, and skilled workers.

Sports and Recreation Cooperation

Beyond commerce and aviation, Adams also explored opportunities in the sports and recreation sector, particularly in leveraging Turkish expertise in sports infrastructure development, facility modernisation, and community sports initiatives.

The Minister emphasised Ghana’s interest in working with Turkish companies to upgrade existing stadia and construct new modern facilities to meet international standards.

These discussions form part of Ghana’s broader agenda to position sport as a driver of youth empowerment, health, and economic development.

Adams commended the open-door approach of all Ghanaian ambassadors to Türkiye, which has made it easier for Ghanaian and Turkish businesses to explore opportunities across diverse sectors.

He further acknowledged the exceptional work of His Excellency Hüseyin Güngör, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Ghana, describing him as a strong pillar in advancing bilateral ties.

His efforts have ensured that Turkish businesses thrive in Ghana, while also creating avenues for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to access opportunities in Türkiye.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Adams underscored that Ghana’s active participation at the WCI Forum reflects the government’s commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

He noted that Ghana is ready to provide a stable and enabling environment for Turkish investment, while also tapping into Türkiye’s expertise in construction, technology transfer, agriculture, and sports development.