By Wilberforce Asare

Copyright asaaseradio

Ghana’s deputy head of mission and head of Chancery in the Netherlands, William Charles Manful, has reaffirmed the strength and cordiality of trade and cultural relations between Ghana and the Netherlands, describing them as “very positive, very friendly, very warm” despite occasional challenges.

In an interview on the sidelines of the 2025 Netherlands-Ghana Business and Tourism Expo, taking place in The Hague from 18-20 September 2025, Manful stressed that both nations continue to enjoy mutually beneficial diplomatic ties built on co-operation, goodwill and ability to resolve difficulties amicably.

“Even if there are challenges here and there, we can overcome them amicably, which is the essence of diplomatic ties,” he said.

Two-way trade

Regarding business relations, Manful acknowledged that trade between the two countries has largely favoured the Netherlands, particularly given Ghana’s significant oil and gas imports. He emphasised that correcting this imbalance requires Ghana to diversify and add value to its exports.

“We must stimulate our exports to the Dutch market, go beyond the traditional raw materials, and send finished goods and new products to Europe. That is how we can correct the imbalance,” he said.

He explained that the embassy’s work is now guided by key performance indicators under Ghana’s foreign service, with economic diplomacy as the central priority.

Manful said this means actively identifying investment opportunities, creating trade linkages and connecting Ghanaian entrepreneurs with counterparts in the Netherlands and the Ghanaian diaspora.

“Even an investment as small as €5,000 in agriculture is significant. There is no such thing as too small an investment when it contributes to job creation and economic development,” he said.

The deputy head of mission also addressed growing frustration over the Netherlands’ visa processes for Ghanaians, which many participants in the expo described as cumbersome and restrictive.

He confirmed that, in some cases, less than half of the applicants succeed, and cited the instance of the business expo, for which only four entrepreneurs from Ghana out of ten applicants were granted visas to attend.

“Indeed, there is room for improvement. The process takes at least 45 days, though in some cases the embassy has been accommodating,” Manful said. “Still, there are genuine businesspeople who meet all requirements and yet are denied, and that is where improvement is needed.”

He explained that the complexities stem from the Netherlands’ obligations under the European Union’s Schengen visa system, which imposes strict requirements, including proof of financial standing, employment, social ties and travel history.

“Because it is a Schengen visa, other EU countries also have a stake in the process, making it more stringent,” he said.

Looking to the future

Manful outlined the Ghana Embassy’s plans to deepen co-operation over the next five years, with a particular focus on attracting foreign direct investment into Ghana’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

He added that cultural diplomacy will also play a central role in reshaping perceptions of Ghana and Africa. Plans are under way to host a Ghana film festival in the Netherlands, showcasing the country’s culture, creativity and potential.

“There is still a problem with the narrative on Africa,” Manful said. “Too often, it is viewed as a continent that offers little.

“We are using culture to change this perception so that people will take a more strategic interest in Ghana as a destination for investment and partnerships,” he said.

Manful expressed optimism that these efforts, combined with strengthened trade partnerships and improved visa policies, will contribute to Ghana’s long-term vision of industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in The Hague, Netherlands

Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.

X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio

#TheVoiceofOurLand