New EU-GH Ambassador presents letters to Ghana’s Foreign Minister

Incoming Ambassador of the EU to Ghana Mr. Irchad Razaaly has presented letters of credence to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

Mr. Razaaly replaces Diana Acconcia in July last this year.

In her remarks at the brief ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regional Integration on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey congratulated the new appointee while acknowledging the long-standing cooperation between Ghana and the EU which dates back to 1975 with the signing of the first financial protocol, the Lome 1 Convention, between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Member States.

In the era of trade and investment, the minister noted that Ghana remains a favourite destination for investment in Africa, and in this regard, highlighted the political stability, open democratic values, free media and vibrant civil society which Ghana enjoys.

She further Iterated Ghana’s ready business climate by indicating that Ghana remains an important Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination on the African continent as in 2017 ranked seven out of 54 countries.

The minister also took the opportunity to announce that with the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with its Secretariat in Accra, Ghana and Africa with its huge market potential, presents an opportunity for increased trade.

She added that Ghana is well-positioned to receive investors from the EU who wish to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Free Trade Area.

The Minister on behalf of the government expressed best wishes to Ambassador-Designate on his tour of duty and also affirmed that the Ministry’s doors are open for continuous cooperation with the Ambassador-Designate and the European Union.