Ghana's Ambassador to Ethiopia presents credentials, pledges to deepen bilateral relations

Ghana's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), His Excellency McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong, has presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Taye Atske Selassie Amde.

The presentation took place on Tuesday at the Ethiopian Presidency, where President Amde warmly welcomed the Ghanaian envoy and recalled his time in Accra nearly four decades ago while serving with the International Atomic Energy Agency at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

President Amde praised Ghana's leadership role on the African continent and in global affairs and commended the longstanding bilateral relations between Ghana and Ethiopia. He encouraged Ambassador Akanbong to work towards further strengthening cooperation between the two countries and congratulated him on his appointment, wishing him a successful tenure.

In his remarks, Ambassador Akanbong commended Ethiopia's commitment to democratic governance, citing the peaceful and transparent conduct of the country's federal elections on June 1, 2026.

The Ambassador also highlighted the need to strengthen economic ties between Ghana and Ethiopia, noting that annual trade between the two countries currently stands at about $3 million despite significant opportunities for growth. He called for the activation of the General Cooperation Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, both signed in 2015 but yet to be implemented, to deepen political, economic, and trade relations.

Ambassador Akanbong further drew attention to a draft Agreement on Cooperation in Education, which Ghana submitted to Ethiopia on July 8, 2023. He observed that despite several reminders, Ghana is yet to receive a response and urged the Ethiopian authorities to expedite consideration of the agreement.

The Ambassador also briefed President Amde on President John Dramani Mahama's Reset Agenda, which focuses on accountable governance, infrastructure development, and economic diversification to create jobs and promote national prosperity.

He stated that 18 months into President Mahama's administration, the government's performance has received widespread approval from both Ghanaians and the international community, reflecting renewed confidence in the country's development trajectory.

Ambassador Akanbong concluded by thanking President Amde for the opportunity to present his Letters of Credence and expressed optimism that Ghana and Ethiopia would continue to strengthen their partnership in advancing African integration, cooperation, and shared prosperity.