Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley A. Botchwey has met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister in Colombo to discuss her candidacy for Commonwealth Secretary-General and explore economic collaboration between their countries.
During the discussion with Mr. Ali Sabri, Ms Botchwey emphasised the importance of Commonwealth countries learning from each other, especially given their recent economic difficulties. Further, they concentrated on her bid, which leaders will decide at the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in Samoa this October.
Reports indicate that, Sri Lanka faced severe turmoil in 2022, which caused the collapse of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government. This crisis stemmed from a post-COVID financial downturn that led to a sharp devaluation of the rupee and inflation exceeding 70%.
Similarly, Ghana sought IMF support following its economic crisis in 2022–23, though the crisis was less severe than Sri Lanka’s. Both countries are now recovering. Sri Lanka has reduced its inflation to around 40% and seen a rise in tourism, while Ghana’s inflation fell to 20.9% by July.
Ms Botchwey also commended Sri Lanka for its advancements in renewable energy, which now supplies 50% of the country’s power and aims to reach 70% by 2030.
