Tanzania, Ghana unlock potential
ACCRA: TANZANIA and Ghana have agreed to deepen cooperation in health, mining and trade, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations aimed at expanding economic opportunities and strengthening strategic partnerships between the two African nations.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health.
The meeting reflected the growing momentum in Tanzania-Ghana relations, with both leaders pledging to translate their shared vision for African development into practical cooperation across key sectors.
Health featured prominently in the discussions, with the two Heads of State agreeing to strengthen collaboration in building resilient healthcare systems and advancing continental initiatives to improve maternal and child health.
The leaders also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in the mining sector, where President Mahama shared Ghana’s experience in promoting inclusive growth through small-scale mining.
He said about 60 per cent of Ghana’s mineral production comes from small-scale miners, while large-scale operators account for the remaining 40 per cent, a model that has widened citizen participation and enabled more communities to benefit from the country’s mineral wealth.
The two presidents also agreed to accelerate efforts to increase trade and investment between Tanzania and Ghana, noting that Air Tanzania’s expansion into West Africa has enhanced connectivity and created fresh opportunities for business, tourism and commercial exchanges.
Their bilateral talks came as President Samia received continental recognition for Tanzania’s achievements in maternal and child health during the African Union summit.
Addressing fellow Heads of State and Government, President Mahama hailed President Samia, who serves as the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, for her leadership in reducing maternal and newborn deaths and expanding access to quality healthcare.
He urged African countries to rally behind the Accra Reset and implement the Mother Africa Call to Action, the continent’s first charter dedicated to accelerating progress towards the African Union’s maternal and child survival roadmap.
“Regarding our mothers and newborns, I wish to express my strongest personal support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, our AU Champion for Maternal and Child Health, and to inform the Assembly that through the Accra Reset, we hope to work very closely together on the Mother Africa Call to Action,” President Mahama said.
He said the initiative sets measurable targets and practical reforms aimed at eliminating preventable maternal and child deaths, while urging African leaders to turn commitments into concrete action.
ALSO READ: Tanzania, Ghana embark on economic reforms through mining, agribusiness
President Samia’s recognition comes against the backdrop of Tanzania’s remarkable progress in maternal and child health.
Official figures show maternal mortality declined from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, placing Tanzania among Africa’s leading performers in improving maternal and newborn survival.
Since assuming office, President Samia has prioritised investment in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health under the Third Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Strategic Plan (One Plan III) 2021/22-2025/26, which has strengthened healthcare infrastructure, expanded access to skilled birth attendance and improved maternal health services nationwide.
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director General Dr Jean Kaseya also commended President Samia’s leadership, describing Tanzania as a model for demonstrating how sustained political commitment can transform health outcomes.
He said the President has placed maternal and child health at the centre of national health reforms, enabling Tanzania to make significant progress in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
Dr Kaseya added that Tanzania’s experience offers valuable lessons for other African countries, showing that strong leadership, increased investment and effective implementation of health programmes can significantly strengthen healthcare systems and save lives.
