Written by: Badr Ahmed

In a move reflecting Ghana’s intentions to strengthen its diplomatic presence and expand its international partnerships, the Ghanaian president appointed two new ambassadors to represent the country in both Japan and Ethiopia, stressing the importance of using diplomacy to achieve direct economic gains that serve the citizens.

The accreditation ceremony for Ghana's new ambassadors to Japan and Ethiopia was attended by senior officials.

On May 13, 2026, the Ghanaian Presidential Palace witnessed the accreditation ceremony of the newly appointed ambassadors to Japan and Ethiopia, where Humphrey Chatyo Agongba, appointed ambassador to Japan, and Makarios Akanbinab Akanbong, appointed ambassador to Ethiopia, took the constitutional oath, including the oath of loyalty, office, and confidentiality, in accordance with established diplomatic norms.

During his speech at the commissioning ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama stressed the need for the two ambassadors to draw on their extensive experience in diplomatic work to strengthen the historical ties that bind Ghana to both Japan and Ethiopia, noting that the current stage requires results-based diplomacy that can deliver tangible economic benefits to the country and its citizens.

The Ghanaian president stressed that the responsibilities placed on the new envoys are great, especially in light of the economic challenges and rapid international changes, expressing his confidence in their ability to perform their duties efficiently and represent their country in a way that enhances Ghana’s position on the international stage.

For his part, the newly appointed ambassador to Ethiopia, Makarios Akanbinab Akanbong, expressed his gratitude to the Ghanaian president for the trust he had placed in him and his colleague, the newly appointed ambassador to Japan, affirming their full commitment to working to serve Ghana’s interests and strengthen its foreign relations.

Akanbong also praised what he described as Ghana’s recent economic growth, saying that this progress reflects the success of government policies at various levels, and pledging to make every effort to defend the interests of the motherland and enhance cooperation with host countries.

The ceremony was attended by a number of senior state officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Julius Debra, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Stanislav Zoisi Dogbe, and Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Moghtari, along with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzito Ablakoa and the Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Idrissou.