The non-resident Ambassador-designate of Finland to Ghana, Sanna Selin, has presented her Open Letters to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as she begins her diplomatic assignment to Ghana.
The presentation of the Open Letters allows the Ambassador-designate to commence her diplomatic functions pending the formal presentation of her Letters of Credence to President John Dramani Mahama.
Ablakwa congratulated Selin on her appointment and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Finland, particularly in trade and investment, sustainable mining and other areas of mutual interest.
He identified maritime security and military cooperation as important areas in which Ghana and Finland could deepen their partnership, given the growing importance of security collaboration in addressing emerging regional and global challenges.
Selin, for her part, reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the areas of cooperation highlighted during the engagement.
Diplomatic relations between Ghana and Finland were established on December 1, 1977, and the two countries will mark 50 years of formal diplomatic ties in 2027.
The Ambassador-designate noted that the golden jubilee would provide an opportunity for both countries to undertake activities to strengthen their partnership, including political consultations to advance bilateral relations, trade and investment and other areas of shared interest.
Ghana and Finland have maintained diplomatic relations since December 1, 1977, building a partnership anchored in political engagement, economic cooperation and shared interests in international development.
Finland recognised Ghana’s independence on March 8, 1957, before the two countries formally established diplomatic relations two decades later. The relationship has since provided a framework for engagement on bilateral and multilateral issues, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic ties.
In June 2022, Ghana and Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish political consultations, providing a structured framework for dialogue and cooperation.
The agreement identified several areas for collaboration, including circular economy, clean technology, agriculture, information and communications technology, manufacturing, energy, digitalisation, education, healthcare, sustainable development and peace and security. The two countries have also explored opportunities for stronger cooperation in maritime security, trade and investment, with Finland’s expertise in technology, education and innovation offering opportunities for partnerships with Ghana.
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