The Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Panama to Ghana, Isbeth Lisbeth Quiel Murcia, has presented her Open Letters of Credence to Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, as part of the diplomatic process preceding the formal assumption of her duties.
The presentation, held at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marks an important step in maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Panama. The exchange of diplomatic credentials serves as a formal expression of mutual commitment to continued cooperation between the two countries.
During the engagement, Ambassador-designate Quiel Murcia praised Ghana’s democratic governance, strong institutions, political stability, and commitment to constitutional rule, describing the country as a model worthy of emulation. In response, Deputy Minister Gyakye Quayson underscored the significant opportunities for collaboration in maritime affairs, logistics, trade, tourism, and education. He also commended Panama’s support for Ghana within various multilateral platforms.
Ghana and Panama enjoy cordial bilateral relations centred on economic cooperation, maritime affairs, logistics, fisheries, and parliamentary diplomacy. Relations have gained momentum in recent years, particularly following the establishment of the Ghana-Panama Parliamentary Friendship Association in November 2022.
While Panama is not among Ghana’s major trading partners, it has emerged as a notable tourism destination, attracting visitors through landmarks such as the Miraflores Visitor Center in Panama City, where tourists observe vessels navigating the Panama Canal locks.
Panama remains one of the world’s most strategic maritime hubs, hosting the Panama Canal and operating the largest open ship registry globally. The canal facilitates the movement of approximately 14,000 vessels annually between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, making the country a global leader in maritime logistics, trans-shipment services, and international shipping expertise.
Trade between the two countries, however, remains relatively modest. According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Ghana’s exports to Panama stood at approximately $155,000 in 2024, representing a significant decline from $5.67 million in 2019. Ghana’s principal exports to Panama included cocoa paste and unglazed ceramics.
Similarly, Panama’s exports to Ghana declined from US$2.86 million in 2019 to approximately US$707,000 in 2024, an average annual decrease of 24.4 percent. Major Panamanian exports to Ghana included party decorations, non-knit women’s suits, and air products.
Bilateral engagement has also extended to sector-specific cooperation. In 2023, the Deputy and First Vice President of Panama’s National Assembly, Kayra Harding Bart, paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s then Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, where discussions focused on aquaculture development and potential memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fisheries sector.
Ambassador-designate Isbeth Quiel Murcia brings extensive diplomatic experience to her new assignment. She previously served as Panama’s representative to the United Nations and has held several senior positions within Panama’s foreign service.
Her diplomatic engagements have included participation in high-level multilateral discussions, including deliberations on the political situation in Venezuela at the United Nations. She has also served in senior leadership roles within Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has been actively involved in advancing Panama’s diplomatic relations with Africa and other regions.
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