CUMANANA XXXIII-ENG

Cumanana

E - Newsletter of Peruvian Culture for Africa

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Bilateral Relations between Peru and Ghana: Historical Legacy and Future Prospects

Valeria Soraya Albarracín Garcés

Introduction

The relationship between Peru and Africa is rooted in a shared historical and cultural legacy as well as a vision for mutual projection and development that considers common challenges and objectives. From this perspective, Peru has been promoting a strategy of engagement and positioning in the African region, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, through the recent establishment of a new embassy in East Africa, Peru has successfully configured a geostrategic triangle in Sub-Saharan Africa, outlined by the embassies of South Africa in the southern axis, Ghana in the western axis, and Kenya in the eastern axis. Furthermore, these diplomatic missions aim to extend Peruvian presence by establishing new presences across the African continent and fostering connections with Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

Aligned with the objectives of foreign policy, an active Peruvian presence in Ghana is essential for promoting interaction with Africa, both politically and economically, as well as culturally. It is noteworthy that Ghana, due to its privileged location and notable political and social stability compared to the rest of West Africa, has emerged as a significant leader in the region and offers a range of diplomatic opportunities that should be seized.

In this regard, this article seeks to highlight a significant milestone in the development of bilateral relations between Peru and Ghana. Nearly ten years after the opening of the Peruvian Embassy in Accra, both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Political Consultations on March 25, 2024.

This instrument not only strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two countries but also serves as the first political agreement Peru has entered with a West African country in the context of consolidating Peruvian presence in the African region.

Shared Historical Legacy

Diplomatic relations between Peru and Ghana were established on June 23, 1987. Subsequently, Peru established a resident diplomatic Mission in Accra in 2014, which is shared with members of the Pacific Alliance. It is worth mentioning that even though between 1987 and 2013 contact between both countries was primarily at the multilateral level through representations to the United Nations, Ghana was one of the African countries that showed the most interest in strengthening its relations with Peru.

"Presentation of credentials of the Ambassador of Peru in Ghana, Rosa Liliana Gómez Cárdenas de Weston (2023)"

The connection between both countries goes beyond the diplomatic sphere and is related to a historical and cultural legacy dating back to the colonial period in Peru. Like other African countries, Ghana and Peru share a colonial past and a courageous struggle for independence. Despite the geographical distance, the history of these nations has a common point that continues to unite them: the African diaspora resulting from colonial practices.

The transatlantic slave trade that characterized the centuries of European imperialism involved the forced transfer of population from the Ashanti Kingdom, located in the rich mining territories of present-day Ghana. The capture and transportation of these slaves on slave ships led to an interaction and fusion between both societies, leaving a profound mark on Peruvian culture, especially in music, gastronomy, and Afro-Peruvian tradition.

In line with this legacy, since the opening of the Peruvian Embassy in Accra, various cultural promotion activities have been carried out in Ghana. These include events dedicated to promoting the Peruvian image in Africa, such as artistic, literary, and gastronomic exhibitions. An example of this was our Embassy's participation in Accra in the "Political Kitchen" program, which seeks to introduce Ghanaian audiences to recipes from different international cuisines

It should be noted that the shared cultural factor between both countries has contributed to the development of the Peruvian-Ghanaian relationship. The Afro-Peruvian theme has become a platform for engagement with Africa, allowing for closer ties with various institutions that celebrate this shared heritage. For example, the San Martín de Porres School in Accra, named

Due to the shared economic and political legacies resulting from this common colonial past, Peru and Ghana also share a series of concerns and objectives regarding domestic issues and international positioning. In this sense, it is interesting to highlight Ghana's trajectory in becoming one of the most stable and least violent countries in Africa and a leader in cocoa

Future Cooperation: Conflict Prevention and Cocoa Export presented by accredited diplomatic missions in Ghana. exports.

Embassy of Peru in Ghana participates in the celebration of the Intercultural Diplomatic Day

Since its transition to multiparty democracy in 1992, Ghana has been regarded as one of the major political success stories in the region. Furthermore, Ghana has emerged as a particular case in the West African region because, despite the looming spread of authoritarianism in the Sahel, it has continued to uphold democracy. According to Alasdair Hamilton, director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), "Ghana is a beacon of democracy in Africa. There have been five free and fair elections in the past 20 years and two peaceful transfers of power".

This political stability has also translated into the absence of ongoing active insurgencies throughout the country, unlike what has occurred in most of the countries in West Africa. This uniqueness is supported by a robust security system and measures to prevent violent extremism or the importation of terrorists into the country, which has maintained a level of human security and national cohesion. These characteristics present an opportunity to propose forms of cooperation that allow us to learn from Ghana's successful experience.ecibir la exitosa experiencia

On the other hand, another similarity between both countries lies in their trade exchange. Both nations are exporters of raw materials and, more specifically, major producers of cocoa worldwide. It is for this reason that Peru and Ghana are members and lead discussions in the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). Moreover, during the 2022/2023 agricultural campaign, Ghana surpassed Ivory Coast as the world's leading cocoa producer. It is worth mentioning that cocoa production in Ghana has been boosted by several initiatives in recent years, such as the introduction of modern agricultural techniques, better access to credit and markets, and increased

investment in infrastructure.

In this sense, considering the shared experience and different lived experiences, the promotion of cooperation initiatives regarding topics such as sustainable cocoa cultivation, the creation of growth opportunities through the marketing of native traditional cocoa, or good agricultural practices, would not only strengthen the relationship with this African country but also present the possibility of creating new opportunities for improvement and growth for the Peruvian industry.

Referencias bibliográficas

https://www.gob.pe/institucion/rree/noticias/666141-jefe-de-mision-de-la-embajada-del-peru-en-ghana-participa-en-programa-culinario https://www.gob.pe/institucion/rree/noticias/68512-rinden-homenaje-a-san-martin-de-porres-en-ghana

Embassy of Peru in Ghana participates in the celebration of the Intercultural Diplomatic Day

Article 2:

Ghana and Peru sign agreement on political consultations

Chris Koney

Ghana and Peru have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of political consultations between the two countries. The agreement was signed on Monday 25th March 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra, Ghana.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway signed for Ghana whilst the Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Republic of Peru in the Republic of Ghana, H. E Rosa Liliana Gómez Cárdenas de Weston signed for Peru and witnessed by Hon. Ghassan Yared, Honorary Consul of Peru in Ghana.

The agreement is valid for five years and will seek to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Peru in areas of mutual interest. This is to be achieved through holding periodical consultations and exchanges of views at various levels on bilateral relations and international affairs of mutual interest.

In addition, the agreement reaffirms the conviction that the development of friendly relations between Ghana and Peru will contribute to peace and international security, the consolidation of confidence, and international cooperation.

The historical and cultural bonds between Peru and Ghana have their roots in the cultural heritage produced by the blending of cultures during the Spanish presence in America through the Viceroyalty of Peru, where a huge number of African inhabitants were brought in an outrageous form to this continent.

Ghana and Peru established a diplomatic relationship thirty-six (36) years ago in 1987, enhancing that relationship when Peru opened its Embassy in 2014 and now improved by the signing of this document.

Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of Political Consultations

RECIPE: FUFU

Fufu is the national dish of Ghana, a starchy side dish and an important accompaniment to stews. It is also very popular and regularly consumed throughout the West and Central African region.

Ingredients

Water

Plantain

Cassava

Preparation

Prepare the Cassava and Plantain: Peel and slice the cassava and plantain with a knife into medium-size pieces, take out the cassava’s core and the plantain’s tiny seeds, and rinse.

Cook Them – Place the pieces in a saucepan, cover with water, and cook over medium heat. Boil for 30 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the water.

Make the Fufu: Blend – Add the cooked plantain and cassava to a food processor and blend. Use a spoon to move it around as necessary to ensure even blending. Add water by the spoonful as needed until you achieve desired texture. It should be soft and stretchy.

Turn it onto a wet plate or bowl and fold it into itself until it is smooth.

As expected, this fufu recipe may have slight variations. Whichever variation you know, try them all for a different sensation of this great African food.