By Hannah Dadzie
In a bid to strengthen diplomatic ties with Ghana, Ukraine has officially inaugurated its embassy in Accra. The embassy will offer consular services to Ghanaian and Ukrainian citizens and facilitate trade, bilateral partnerships, and enhanced business collaboration between the two nations. Special Representative of Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa, Dr. Maksym Subh, emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to partnering with Ghana to foster a conducive business environment, leveraging Ghana’s stable economic and political landscape to generate employment opportunities for citizens of both countries.
Ghana and Ukraine share a rich history dating back to August 1992, shortly after Ukraine gained independence. Over the years, their bilateral relations have primarily focused on political cooperation, laying a foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration. Economic and trade relations have shown promise, with Ghana exporting commodities such as manganese, aluminium ore, and cocoa powder to Ukraine, while Ukraine has supplied hot-rolled iron bars, raw iron bars, and cold-rolled iron to Ghana. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has disrupted these dynamics, hindering progress towards strategic outcomes. Dr. Maksym Subh, Special Representative of Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa, believes that formal and informal humanitarian contacts are key to advancing cooperation and understanding between the two countries.
“Today’s opening of our resident embassy in Accra very much reflects on our willingness to develop bilateral contacts at all levels between Ukraine and the Republic of Ghana. Ukraine is ready to work together with our Ghanian partners to create an enabling business environment – one that will build upon Ghana’s stable economic and political foundation and create jobs for citizens of both our countries. I formally announce the Embassy of Ukraine in Accra officially opened!” Dr Subh noted.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratum-Sarpong, affirmed Ghana’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I am confident that, with the opening of the Ukraine Embassy, the bilateral relations between Ghana and Ukraine will be further consolidated to accelerate the diplomatic, economic, trade and investment ties for the mutual benefit of our two countries. We look forward to the appointment of an Ambassador soon. I hereby assure the Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of Ukraine that the Foreign Ministry stands ready to extend to him the assistance he needs in the execution of his duties. As we gaze towards the future, there is immense optimism for fruitful collaboration between Ghana and Ukraine, fostering economic prosperity and development for our respective. May the relationship between Ghana and Ukraine flourish,” Mr Ampratum-Sarpong said.
The Deputy Minister said trade relations between the two countries have been rejuvenated, particularly with the visit of a Ukrainian trade delegation in April 2018. Areas of discussion included agriculture, transportation, industrial equipment, and telecommunications, paving the way for enhanced economic collaboration. He added that Ghana remains an attractive destination for business on the continent, especially for Foreign Direct Investment.
“With the commencement of trading activities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ghana stands as the gateway to economic growth for the entire continent,” he indicated.
The establishment of the Ukraine Embassy signifies a significant milestone in international diplomacy, reinforcing the commitment of both Ukraine and Ghana to fostering closer ties and collaboration.
