By Nelson Ayivor
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new Chancery for the Embassy in Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in the country’s diplomatic engagement with Africa and the wider international community.
The commissioning ceremony underscores Ghana’s enduring commitment to multilateralism, African unity, and strengthened bilateral relations with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The new Chancery, located in Addis Ababa, stands as more than a functional diplomatic facility. According to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the building is a visible affirmation of Ghana’s belief in collective African progress and its firm alignment with the ideals and vision of the African Union.
In his reflections on the occasion, the Foreign Minister noted that the commissioning of the Chancery reflects Ghana’s resolve to remain an active and constructive participant in continental and global affairs.
The facility is expected to enhance Ghana’s diplomatic effectiveness, particularly in its interactions with the African Union and other multilateral partners headquartered in Addis Ababa.
Strategic Timing Ahead of AU Leadership
The commissioning of the Chancery comes at a strategically significant moment for Ghana’s foreign policy. The Minister highlighted that the completion of the project signals President Mahama’s readiness to assume the Chairmanship of the African Union in the coming year.
With the African Union playing an increasingly central role in peace, security, economic integration, and development across the continent, Ghana’s strengthened diplomatic presence in Addis Ababa positions the country to contribute more effectively to high-level decision-making.
The new Chancery is expected to support Ghana’s engagement on key continental priorities, including conflict resolution, economic integration, climate diplomacy, and institutional reform within the African Union system. It also reinforces Ghana’s longstanding Pan-African credentials and its historical role as a champion of African unity.
The Chancery project has a history spanning more than a decade, reflecting both ambition and resilience. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, funding arrangements for the project were initially secured under the 2016 SG SSB facility.
However, he noted economic challenges in subsequent years led to delays, with construction stalling after it had begun. He added that the Mahama administration resumed the project and cleared outstanding Interim Payment Certificates last year, allowing construction to be completed.
The successful delivery of the Chancery therefore, represents not only an infrastructural achievement but also a demonstration of continuity in Ghana’s diplomatic priorities despite economic and political transitions.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa acknowledged that the journey from conception to completion was not without difficulty, but emphasised that the outcome validates the importance Ghana attaches to its diplomatic missions and international representation.
Strengthening Ghana Ethiopia Relations
Beyond its continental significance, the new Chancery is also a symbol of the strong and cordial relations between Ghana and Ethiopia. Ethiopia, as host nation to the African Union, occupies a unique position in Africa’s diplomatic landscape, and Ghana’s enhanced presence in Addis Ababa reflects the value it places on this partnership.
The ceremony was attended by the Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Gedion Timothewos, whose presence was acknowledged with appreciation by the Ghanaian delegation.
The Foreign Minister described Ethiopia as a friendly nation with which Ghana shares mutual respect and a commitment to African cooperation. The new Chancery is expected to facilitate closer bilateral engagement, promote trade and cultural exchanges, and strengthen collaboration on regional and continental initiatives.
In his message, the Foreign Minister commended all those who contributed to the successful completion of the project. Special recognition was given to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, staff of the Ghana Embassy in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian contractor, and the Ghanaian consultant who worked on the project.
The commissioning ceremony was framed as a moment of national pride, reflecting the collective effort of public servants and partners working in the spirit of service to the nation.
The Minister concluded his remarks with the expression “For God and Country,” reinforcing the sense of duty and national purpose that underpinned the project.
As Ghana looks ahead to an expanded leadership role within the African Union, the new Embassy Chancery in Addis Ababa provides a modern and dignified platform for diplomacy.
It is expected to support Ghana’s diplomatic staff in advancing national interests, engaging constructively with African partners, and contributing to the shaping of Africa’s future.
The building stands as a tangible reminder that diplomacy remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s foreign policy, anchored in multilateral cooperation, regional solidarity, and respect for international partnership. With the commissioning of the Chancery, Ghana signals both readiness and resolve to play its part on the continental stage.