President Mahama receives credentials from 5 envoys

President John Mahama yesterday received letters of credence from five envoys at the Jubilee House in Accra.

They were the ambassadors of Italy, Laura Ranalli; Cuba, Julio Enrique Pujol Torres; Liberia, Musu Jatu Ruhle; The United Arab Emirates, Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Ghomshi.

Italy

Ambassador Ranalli, who was accompanied by her husband, Piotr Kepinski, conveyed felicitations from the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, who visited Ghana in 2023.

She pledged Italy’s commitment to Ghana’s development through the Mattei Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting public and private investments in key sectors.  

Cuba

Ambassador Torres emphasised Cuba’s long-standing friendship with Ghana, which he said was rooted in their shared struggles for independence and development.

President Mahama (right) proposing a toast to Julio Enrique Pujol Torres, Cuban Ambassador to Ghana

He outlined plans to enhance cooperation in health care, education and biotechnology while building on Cuba’s existing support for Ghana’s medical sector.  

In response, President Mahama commended Cuba for its solidarity with Ghana over the years and expressed interest in exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in science and technology.  

Liberia

Ambassador Ruhle also highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between her country and Ghana, saying both nations share a common vision of regional stability and economic growth.

Musu Jatu Ruhle (left), Liberian Ambassador to Ghana, with President Mahama

She outlined plans to strengthen trade and investment links, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure.  

President Mahama welcomed the ambassador’s commitment to fostering closer ties and reiterated Ghana’s support for Liberia’s development agenda.  

United Arab Emirates

Ambassador Al Mandoos expressed his country’s interest in expanding economic and cultural relations with Ghana.

President Mahama with Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos (left), the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Ghana, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs

He mentioned potential collaborations in renewable energy, aviation and tourism, and said that Ghana’s strategic location and stable environment made it an attractive partner for the UAE.  

President Mahama expressed gratitude to the UAE for its investments in Ghana and welcomed further cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development and technology transfer.  

Islamic Republic of Iran

For his part, Ambassador Ghomshi said Iran was dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana, particularly in the areas of energy, agriculture and education.

 Ali Ghomshi (left), Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a discussion with President Mahama

He also expressed his country’s willingness to share expertise in oil and gas exploration, as well as advancement in agricultural technology.  

President Mahama described the ambassador’s proposals as laudable and expressed interest in deepening cooperation in science, technology, and cultural exchange.  

He called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, adding that, “the killings in Gaza must stop, and we demand a two-state solution with Palestinians having their own state and living in their own space”. 

Commitment

President Mahama further expressed Ghana’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations with all nations.

He said that the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism and economic inequality was significant. 

“Ghana remains a beacon of peace and stability in the region, and we are committed to working with our international partners to promote sustainable development and prosperity for all,” the President added.