Mahama receives Letters of Credence from 11 newly appointed foreign envoys

President John Dramani Mahama has received Letters of Credence from 11 newly appointed foreign envoys accredited to Ghana, formally confirming their appointments as representatives of their respective countries.

The diplomatic ceremony took place at the Presidency in Accra on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and brought together three High Commissioners-designate and eight Ambassadors-designate representing South Africa, Nigeria, India, Lebanon, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Slovakia, Sweden and Thailand.

The High Commissioners-designate are Ms Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe of South Africa, Mr Shehu Ilu Barde of Nigeria and Mr Surinder Bhagat of India.

The eight Ambassadors-designate are Mr Fouad Khazzaka of Lebanon, Ms Keara Shaw of Australia, Dr Thomas Oertle of Switzerland, Mr Johan (Hans) Theodoor Marius Akerboom of the Netherlands, Ms Sanna Selin of Finland, Mr Martin Podstavek of Slovakia, Ms Anna Westerholm of Sweden and Mr Thirapath Mongkolnavin of Thailand.

Welcoming the diplomats, President Mahama congratulated them on their appointments and assured them of his government’s cooperation and support throughout their diplomatic assignments in Ghana.

He encouraged the envoys to actively identify and develop new areas of cooperation that would strengthen relations between Ghana and their respective countries and deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.

“I formally welcome you to Ghana and assure you of my government’s friendship, cooperation and support as you formally begin your respective diplomatic engagements here,” President Mahama said.

He noted that despite differences in geography, history, culture and levels of socioeconomic development, Ghana and the countries represented shared common aspirations and a commitment to friendly relations.

“As a peace-loving member of the United Nations, Ghana is committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the Organisation and its objectives for international peace, prosperity and the dignity of all people and a commitment to a more just and equitable international order,” he stated.

President Mahama highlighted opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, manufacturing, technology transfer, renewable energy, education and industrial development.

On Ghana’s relations with Nigeria, he proposed that the next session of the Ghana-Nigeria Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation be held in the first quarter of 2028.

He said he had instructed Ghana’s High Commissioner in Abuja to engage Nigerian Foreign Ministry officials to facilitate the meeting.

“I also wish to emphasize the importance of enhanced trade and investment between our two countries within ECOWAS and also the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he added.

The President also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relations with South Africa, congratulating the country on the successful conclusion of its G20 presidency and its efforts to advance Africa’s priorities on the international stage.

On relations with India, he recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ghana in 2025, which elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership.

President Mahama also acknowledged India’s contribution to Ghana’s socioeconomic development through concessional financing, lines of credit, grant assistance and technical cooperation.

He encouraged Lebanon to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, renewable energy, information technology and tourism.

With Australia, he expressed Ghana’s interest in developing a more strategic and investment-driven partnership, particularly in agriculture, technology transfer, industrial development and critical minerals.

The President also highlighted Switzerland’s contribution to Ghana’s development, including support for agricultural value chains that have created 45,000 jobs in sectors such as cashew and palm oil.

He urged the Netherlands to increase investments in industrialisation, innovation and value addition, while identifying opportunities for cooperation with Finland in manufacturing, technological innovation, green technologies and digital infrastructure.

President Mahama further encouraged Slovakia to increase investments in manufacturing, machinery, energy infrastructure, science and technology.

On Ghana’s relations with Sweden, he expressed appreciation for the country’s historical contribution to democratic governance, human rights, gender equality, poverty reduction and institutional capacity building.

He welcomed the establishment of the BASE Nord business hub in Accra, which is expected to promote business networking, trade missions and partnerships between Ghanaian and Swedish businesses.

For Thailand, the President encouraged increased investment in manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing technology and infrastructure.

He also expressed support for ongoing discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and the establishment of a Ghana-Thailand Business Council to facilitate trade and strengthen private sector partnerships.

President Mahama particularly encouraged continued engagement towards the proposed establishment of a 12,000-hectare oil palm plantation and a modern processing mill in Ghana.

Beyond bilateral relations, the President called on the envoys to support Ghana’s leadership role in continental affairs as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State in 2027.

He said he would count on their respective governments’ cooperation to advance the priorities of the African Union and sustain momentum on the reparatory justice agenda.

“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.

President Mahama assured the diplomats of the full support of his government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and wished them successful, productive and rewarding tenures in Ghana.