James Gyakye Quayson

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I led a High-Level Consultative Visit to Singapore from 10th to 15th April 2026, during which Ghana formally communicated its intention to establish a diplomatic mission in Singapore. This visit formed part of our broader strategy to expand Ghana’s diplomatic footprint in Asia and strengthen engagement with key global economic hubs. The proposed mission will enhance our diplomatic presence, improve consular services for Ghanaian citizens, and provide a platform to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and capacity building. During the visit, I held discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development of the Republic of Singapore, Honourable Zhulkarmain Abdul Rahim. Our discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and promoting trade and investment for our mutual benefit. The Singaporean authorities welcomed Ghana’s decision and expressed their commitment to further deepen relations between our two countries. They also indicated their readiness to collaborate in areas such as trade facilitation, institutional development, and technical exchange. The establishment of this mission is expected to open new avenues for partnerships across various sectors of our economies. I also engaged members of the Diplomatic Corps, where I highlighted the diverse investment opportunities available in Ghana.

I was privileged to lead Ghana’s delegation to the IX Ministerial Meeting of the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7th to 10th April 2026. The meeting provided an important platform for advancing collaboration among member states, with discussions centred on key priority areas such as maritime security, ocean governance, climate change, transnational illicit activities, the global commons, as well as peace and security in the South Atlantic region. In my intervention, I advocated for the inclusion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250 in the Meeting’s Declaration. I also emphasized the need to strengthen maritime cooperation between the Yaoundé Architecture in the Gulf of Guinea and ZOPACAS Member States across the South Atlantic, particularly in enhancing information sharing and coordinating maritime security operations. I reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to preserving the South Atlantic as a Zone of Peace and highlighted the far-reaching implications of maritime insecurity on international shipping routes, trade flows, and global economic stability.

Free Visa for all Africans New e-Visa policy

May this season of rebirth inspire you to grow, love, and shine brighter

Ghana’s draft resolution has been formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, marking a significant milestone in multilateral diplomacy. The resolution was approved with 123 votes in favour, 3 against, and 52 abstentions, reflecting broad international support. #Ghanawon

This morning, I had the honour of accompanying the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and the Mayor of New York to a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the African Burial Ground National Monument in Lower Manhattan. The ceremony paid tribute to the memory of nearly 20,000 Africans laid to rest at this historic site. In his remarks, President Mahama underscored the significance of remembrance, noting that while some of those buried were free, the majority were enslaved Africans whose lives were taken from them and forever altered. Reflecting on Ghana’s deep historical connection to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the President highlighted that Ghana is home to over thirty slave castles and forts—more than any other African country—emphasizing the strong likelihood that many of those interred passed through or originated from present-day Ghana. The ceremony formed part of a broader set of engagements in New York focused on remembrance, justice, and advancing the global conversation on reparatory justice.

I had the honour of participating in the maiden Ghana–Zurich Business and Cultural Expo, held on 19th March 2026 in Zurich, Switzerland, where I served as the Special Guest of Honour and Guest Speaker. The Expo, held under the theme “Bridging Markets, Celebrating Heritage: A New Era of Economic Partnership,” brought together Ghanaian and Swiss entrepreneurs, investors, industry players, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. It provided a valuable platform to explore new avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships, while also showcasing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential through exhibitions and promotional displays. In my remarks, I highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between Ghana and Switzerland, which date back to 1828. I commended Switzerland’s contributions to Ghana’s economic development, particularly in trade and exports, and underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. I also noted that the Government’s Reset Agenda, especially the 24-Hour Economy policy, serves as a strategic framework for driving sustainable economic transformation. I emphasised the critical role of cultural diplomacy as a catalyst for economic growth and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to transitioning from raw commodity exports to value addition. In this regard, I called for increased investment in key sectors such as cocoa processing, mineral refining, agro-processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. I reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to deepen its economic engagement and extended an invitation to Swiss investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the emerging opportunities under the Government’s Reset Agenda.

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I had the honour of leading Ghana’s delegation to the Fourth Session of the Ghana–Colombia Political Consultations, held on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, at the San Carlos Palace, headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia in Bogotá. The session was co-chaired by H.E. Amb. Juana Esperanza Castro Santamaría, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. The consultations provided a valuable high-level platform for both countries to engage on a broad range of issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, maritime connectivity, agriculture and agribusiness, education, culture and the arts, sports, technical cooperation, historical reparations, and multilateral affairs, among others. We reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ghana and Colombia, established on 23rd June 1988, and expressed our shared commitment to advancing practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. Our discussions underscored the strong foundation of Ghana–Colombia relations and our mutual desire to deepen collaboration across key sectors. To this end, both sides agreed to establish Joint Technical Meetings and Working Groups to facilitate the effective implementation of our agreed priorities. We concluded the session with a shared sense of satisfaction regarding the constructive and productive outcomes, and reaffirmed our commitment to sustaining regular engagements to monitor progress and advance the initiatives agreed upon.

Eid Mubarak

In advance of the 4th Session of the Political Consultation Mechanism between Ghana and Colombia, I had the distinct honour of visiting the Gold Museum in Bogotá.

President John Dramani Mahama is prepared to lead Africa and the global African diaspora in championing a landmark United Nations Resolution on March 25, 2026, to formally acknowledge the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.

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1/2 Ahead of the 4th Session of the Political Consultation Mechanism between Ghana and Colombia, I had the honour of paying a courtesy call on H.E. Francia Márquez, Vice President of Colombia, in Bogotá on 16 March 2026. She reaffirmed Colombia’s full support for Ghana’s draft UN resolution to declare the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, and confirmed Colombia’s readiness to co-sponsor it. I expressed Ghana’s appreciation for Colombia’s strong partnership on the reparations agenda, emphasizing that our initiative seeks to restore dignity and identity, not monetary compensation. Our meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation and strengthen South-South relations.

I had the honour of participating in the IV Political Consultation Mechanism between Ghana and Colombia, led by Colombia’s Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio together with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Juana Castro Santamaría. The engagement provided an important platform to strengthen the cordial relations between our two countries and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Ghana remains committed to fostering stronger diplomatic ties and promoting partnerships that advance shared growth and development

The Government of Ghana confirms that two of our citizens have been injured by a drone attack in Dubai today. Our Ambassador in UAE has led a team from our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the victims as the Foreign Ministry coordinates emergency consular assistance. Their families and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. The Government of Ghana condemns the attack and reiterates calls for a cessation in hostilities. We are actively engaged with international partners on a UN resolution urging de-escalation.

Chatham House @ChathamHouse uk 🇬🇧 where the foreign minister of Ghana 🇬🇭 Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa @S_OkudzetoAblak and Nigeria 🇳🇬 foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar @YusufTuggar explore strategies for rebuilding regional order and security in the Sahel. TOPIC: How can West Africa strengthen its collective security against violent extremism?

The Government of Ghana has formally lodged a protest with UN Secretary-General, António Guterres following the condemnable attack on Ghanaian peacekeeping soldiers in Lebanon. We are demanding full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigations into the attack which violates international law and amounts to war crime. We shall firmly pursue justice and enhanced protection for our gallant soldiers. The injured soldiers can count on the nation’s love, prayers and unflinching support.