The longstanding diplomatic relations between Ghana and Ukraine have taken a significant leap forward with the inauguration of the Embassy of Ukraine in Accra. Dating back to August 1992, Ghana and Ukraine share a rich history, with ties bolstered by visits from Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to Ukraine during its early independence phase.
Over the years, bilateral relations have primarily centered on political cooperation, paving the way for mutual understanding and collaboration. Notably, in October 2022, Ghana welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Dmytro Kuleba, leading to the signing of agreements on various fronts, including diplomatic staff training, cooperation in education, defense, agriculture, and trade.
Before the full-scale military aggression in February 2022, Ukraine’s trade volume with Ghana had exceeded $300 million, highlighting the economic significance of their partnership. The opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in Ghana signifies a milestone in bilateral relations, facilitating political contacts, strengthening economic ties, and providing consular services to citizens of both nations. Dr. Maksym Subh, Special Envoy of Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the embassy’s role in enhancing bilateral contacts and fostering economic cooperation.
During the embassy’s inauguration in Cantonment, Dr. Subh, along with Mr. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, reiterated the commitment to deepening ties between the two countries. Dr. Subh expressed Ukraine’s readiness to collaborate with Ghana in creating an enabling business environment to promote trade and investment, leveraging Ghana’s position as the potential “trade gateway of Africa.”
Highlighting Ghana’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong reaffirmed Ghana’s solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. Despite challenges posed by the conflict in Ukraine, Ghana remains committed to exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral relations once stability is restored in the region.
Trade relations between the two countries have shown promising signs, with discussions spanning various sectors including agriculture, transportation, industrial equipment, and telecommunications. Ghana’s exports to Ukraine include commodities like manganese, aluminum ore, and cocoa powder, while Ukraine supplies Ghana with iron bars. Despite disruptions caused by the conflict in Ukraine, both nations are optimistic about the potential for deeper economic cooperation in the future.
