Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has received open letters from ambassadors and high commissioners-designate of six countries, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe.
The ceremony, held in Accra, underlined President John Dramani Mahama’s administration’s dedication to fostering multilateral partnerships grounded in mutual development. The first diplomatic engagement featured H.E. Mr. Edouard Nduwimana, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Burundi to Ghana.
“The presentation marked a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to fostering stronger ties between Ghana and Burundi”
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
Minister Ablakwa congratulated the envoy and commended Burundi’s resilience in its post-conflict national recovery. He reiterated Ghana’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation through technical assistance and capacity-building frameworks.
“Ghana is committed to collaborating with countries like Burundi to exchange knowledge, strengthen institutions, and pursue joint development strategies”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
In response, the Burundian envoy affirmed his government’s readiness to partner with Ghana in key areas.
“We see opportunities for investment in health, education, and tourism. Burundi welcomes Ghana’s support as we continue to strengthen democracy”
H.E. Mr. Edouard Nduwimana, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Burundi to Ghana
Shortly afterward, H.E. Mr. Antit Mohsen, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Tunisia, presented his open letters to the Minister. The discussion focused on trade, agriculture, and sports as core areas for bilateral cooperation. Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the importance of institutionalizing such collaboration.
“The establishment and use of a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) will provide a structured platform for ongoing engagement between our nations”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Ambassador Mohsen echoed the sentiment, highlighting Tunisia’s broader vision. He expressed that African unity remains a guiding principle by which Tunisia is fully committed to deepening regional solidarity with Ghana.
The strengthening of ties extended to the Caribbean as well. H.E. Mr. Lincoln George Downer, High Commissioner-Designate of Jamaica to Ghana, presented his open letters in a ceremony that reflected shared historical and cultural ties.
Minister Ablakwa acknowledged Jamaica’s continued support for Ghana’s pan-African heritage programs, particularly the Year of Return and Black Star Experience. “We recognise Jamaica’s efforts to build on our shared history and look forward to enhanced collaboration in areas like ICT”
Mr. Downer urged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to seize investment opportunities in Jamaica’s digital and innovation economy and pledged commitment to structured cooperation through the PJCC mechanism.
In another diplomatic meeting, the Ambassador-Designate of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, H.E. Mr. Athanasios V. Kotsionis, also formally presented his credentials. Minister Ablakwa stressed the need for Ghana and Greece to explore areas of mutual interest.
“Tourism, the green economy, and maritime trade are sectors ripe for deepened cooperation,” the Minister noted.
Ambassador Kotsionis confirmed Greece’s interest in expanding partnerships.
“Greece and Ghana have enjoyed long-standing relations. I look forward to building on that history through robust bilateral initiatives” he said.
The Ministry also welcomed H.E. Mr. Bui Quoc Hung, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Vietnam. Discussions between the Minister and the envoy reflected on the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Vietnam, built on shared history and political solidarity.
“Vietnam’s role in international peacekeeping aligns with Ghana’s foreign policy direction. We are committed to growing our partnership, particularly in trade, agriculture, and value addition”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Ambassador Hung expressed enthusiasm for collaboration on industrial growth and agricultural modernisation, highlighting mutual benefits for both economies.
Finally, H.E. Rosemary Mbabazi, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on Minister Ablakwa, expressing appreciation for Ghana’s historic and continuing support to Rwanda. She acknowledged the role of the Ghana Armed Forces during the Rwandan genocide and called for formalised cooperation.
“The peacekeeping contributions of Ghana saved countless lives in Rwanda. We wish to institutionalize our bilateral cooperation through the establishment of a PJCC”
H.E. Rosemary Mbabazi, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana
Minister Ablakwa responded with assurances of Ghana’s continued commitment to Rwanda and global peacekeeping.
“Our relationship with Rwanda is one of mutual respect and shared progress. Ghana remains committed to promoting peace and development on the continent”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The succession of engagements symbolised Ghana’s expanding diplomatic network under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that further bilateral talks would be scheduled through PJCCs and sectoral committees to give concrete expression to the commitments made.
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