With the intention of strengthening its 32-year-old diplomatic relations with Ghana and bringing about reciprocal social, political, and economic advantages for the people of both nations, Ukraine has established an embassy in Accra.
The mission would carry out tasks like fostering political relationships, bolstering trade and interpersonal relationships, and offering consular assistance to Ghanaians and Ukrainians.
In keeping with Ukraine’s efforts to increase its diplomatic footprint on the continent, the Labone embassy is the third to open in Africa this year, following those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Côte d’Ivoire.
Maksym Subkh, Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, told the Ghanaian Times in an interview conducted prior to the event on Friday that Ghana had accepted the mission’s establishment regarding Ghana welcomes the Ukrainian embassy.
He stated that now that the embassy was open, Ukraine was eager to strengthen its business and economic connections with Ghana, as the invasion had caused trade between the two nations to fall from $300 million to only $30 million.
Prraising Ghana’s trade potential, he declared that Ukraine was prepared to take advantage of every chance, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, to strengthen its economic and trade connections with Ghana and the African continent.
Speaking to the attendees, Mr. Subkh stated that although Ghana and Ukraine established diplomatic relations in 1992, previous ties—such as trips to Ukraine by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah—had built the groundwork for that alliance throughout the Soviet era.
He claimed that recent events had taken the partnership to new heights, including the visit to Accra by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in October 2022 and the important meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Nana Akufo-Addo at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last January.
He stated that the advancement of trade, industry, agriculture, energy, education, and technological projects that would benefit both countries were the main topics of discussion during these visits.
Mr. Subkh stated that although the embassy would help Ghanaian companies enter the market and promote Ghanaian goods, Ukraine was prepared to collaborate with Ghana to establish a favorable business climate and offer premium goods and services at affordable costs.
He stated that his nation was hosting a high-level global peace summit in Switzerland to start the process of creating a shared framework for the restoration of lasting peace. His remarks focused on peace for Ukraine and security for the entire world.
“We have a lot of optimism that this vicious attack will end. Since no war can last forever, we should now focus on creating a shared future and strengthening our ability to work together for mutual benefit after the conflict, the speaker stated.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong spoke on behalf of Ghana and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to stepping up trade, investment, and diplomatic relations.
