President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagement as he received letters of credence from seven newly accredited envoys at the Presidency.
Welcoming the diplomats on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, President Mahama congratulated them on their appointments and assured them of his administration’s friendship, cooperation, and support throughout their diplomatic missions.
“Your presence here at the Presidency is a reminder that despite our differences in geography, history, culture and levels of socio-economic development, Ghana and your nations remain connected by shared aspirations and the desire to pursue friendly relations,” he stated.
The President emphasized Ghana’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, noting that the country remains dedicated to international peace, prosperity, human dignity, and a more equitable global order.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Addressing each envoy individually, President Mahama highlighted key areas of cooperation between Ghana and their respective countries.
To High Commissioner Ronald Micallef of Malta, the President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties based on shared Commonwealth values and expanding cooperation in labour mobility, energy transition, infrastructure, digital skills development, fisheries education, and industrial investment.
Speaking to Ambassador Andrei Ordash of the Russia, President Mahama underscored the longstanding friendship between the two countries, dating back to Ghana’s early post-independence years.
“We believe there is scope to deepen cooperation in energy, science, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, education, infrastructure and skills development,” he noted.
The President also welcomed Ambassador Michal Cygan of Poland, expressing appreciation for Poland’s historical contributions to Ghana’s industrial and technical development. He called for greater collaboration in renewable energy, commercial agriculture, technology transfer, trade, and security cooperation.
Historic Partnerships and New Opportunities
President Mahama praised the enduring relationship between Ghana and Indonesia while receiving Ambassador Bambang Suharto.
“Ghana and Indonesia share a historic relationship dating back to the Bandung Conference, which set the foundational ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing cooperation in health, agriculture, oil palm development, textiles, fisheries, education, and vaccine manufacturing.
The President also welcomed Ambassador Isbeth Lisbeth Quiel Murcia of Panama, identifying maritime affairs, logistics, shipping, trade facilitation, tourism, and port development as key sectors for future collaboration.
To Ambassador Armen Sargsyan of Armenia, the President pointed to opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, ICT, education, innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital technology.
He specifically referenced Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme and Girls in ICT Programme as areas where deeper partnerships could be forged.
Pan-African Solidarity
President Mahama paid special tribute to the historic relationship between Ghana and Tanzania while welcoming Ambassador Selestine Gervas Kakele.
He noted that the bond between the two countries was built on the vision of Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, whose commitment to Pan-Africanism continues to inspire the continent.
The President also conveyed his appreciation to Samia Suluhu Hassan for the warm reception she extended during his recent visit to Arusha and expressed his readiness to undertake a state visit to Tanzania at a mutually agreed date.
Investment and Regional Security
President Mahama used the occasion to showcase Ghana’s economic transformation agenda, including the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, agricultural modernization efforts, industrialization programmes, digital transformation, and energy sector reforms.
He invited investors from the diplomats’ respective countries to partner with Ghanaian businesses in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy, infrastructure, technology, logistics, tourism, healthcare, and education.
“Ghana offers strategic access to a continental market of more than 1.4 billion people. As host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stronger economic partnerships between your countries and Ghana can serve as an important gateway to the wider African market,” he said.
The President also addressed growing global and regional challenges, including climate change, terrorism, cyber threats, food insecurity, irregular migration, and instability in the Sahel.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, and the United Nations to promote peace, security, democracy, and sustainable development.
Call for Stronger Diplomacy
President Mahama concluded by emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in fostering understanding and shared prosperity among nations.
“Diplomacy is ultimately about building bridges between people. It is about creating opportunities for understanding, cooperating to resolve common challenges, and developing fair arrangements for shared prosperity,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the tenure of the seven envoys would further strengthen relations between Ghana and their respective countries and assured them of the full support of his government as they undertake their diplomatic responsibilities.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
