Seven newly accredited envoys have presented their letters of credence to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, formally beginning their diplomatic missions in Ghana.
The diplomats include Mr. Ronald Micallef, High Commissioner of Malta; Mr. Andrei Ordash, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; Mr. Michal Cygan, Ambassador of Poland; Mr. Bambang Suharto, Ambassador of Indonesia; Ms.Isbeth Lisbeth Quiel Murcia, Ambassador of Panama; Mr. Armen Sargsyan, Ambassador of Armenia; and Mr. Selestine Gervas Kakele, Ambassador of Tanzania.
President Mahama, receiving the credentials, congratulated the envoys on their successful accreditation and formally welcomed them to Ghana, assuring them of his government’s support as they begin their assignments.
“I wish to formally welcome you to Ghana and to assure you of my government’s friendship, cooperation and support as you formally begin your respective diplomatic missions in Ghana,” he said.
He noted that despite differences in geography, history and levels of development, Ghana and the countries represented by the envoys remain united by shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and global cooperation.
“Your presence here at the Presidency, the seat of Ghana’s government, is a reminder that despite our differences in geography, in history, culture and the level of socio-economic development, Ghana and your nations remain connected by shared aspirations,” the President said.
President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing peace, dignity, and equitable global development, and encouraged the diplomats to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ghana, he said, remains open to expanded partnerships in trade, investment, technology, education, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism and logistics, particularly as the country pursues economic transformation through its development agenda.
The President highlighted ongoing national reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation, including industrial expansion, digital transformation and the 24-hour economy initiative.
“We invite businesses from your respective countries to jointly invest with their counterparts in Ghana in areas of opportunity such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy, infrastructure development, technology, logistics, tourism, healthcare and education,” he stated.
He also emphasized Ghana’s strategic role as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that stronger partnerships could provide access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people.
President Mahama further called for collective global action to address challenges such as climate change, insecurity, terrorism, cyber threats, irregular migration and economic instability.
He expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Sahel, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to working with ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations to promote peace and stability.
“We believe that international cooperation, dialogue, respect for international law and strong multilateral institutions remain essential to addressing the challenges confronting humanity,” he said.
The President also introduced his development cooperation vision, the “Accra Reset,” inviting the envoys to engage with Ghana under the framework.
On bilateral relations, he gave country-specific assurances:
To Malta, he pledged deeper cooperation in education, energy transition, labour mobility, fisheries and digital skills development.
To Russia, he called for stronger ties in energy, science, technology, agriculture and education, while acknowledging long-standing historical relations.
To Poland, he encouraged expanded cooperation in industrialisation, renewable energy, trade and technology transfer.
To Indonesia, he highlighted collaboration in oil palm development, textiles, vaccines, agriculture and fisheries.
To Panama, he emphasized maritime cooperation, shipping, logistics, tourism and port development.
To Armenia, he pointed to opportunities in ICT, agriculture, innovation and artificial intelligence, including Ghana’s digital skills initiatives.
To Tanzania, he reaffirmed strong historical ties rooted in Pan-Africanism and expressed appreciation for cooperation in education, trade and cultural exchange.
He also extended warm regards to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu-Hassan and referenced ongoing efforts to strengthen continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
President Mahama concluded by assuring the diplomats of his government’s full cooperation and encouraged them to build strong bridges of friendship between Ghana and their respective countries.
“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 wished them a successful tour of duty in Ghana, adding that their presence would help strengthen Ghana’s international partnerships and advance mutual development goals.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
