President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday the 12 of March 2025, received five newly appointed envoys from Italy, Cuba, Liberia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran at the Presidency in Accra.
The diplomats presented their letters of credence and letters recalling their predecessors to President Mahama, marking the beginning of their official duties in Ghana.
The new envoys include:
- Madam Laura Ranalli – Ambassador of Italy to Ghana
- Mr. Julio Enrique Pujol Torres – Ambassador of Cuba to Ghana
- Mrs. Musu Jatu Ruhle – Ambassador of Liberia to Ghana
- Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos – Ambassador of UAE to Ghana
- Mr. Ali Ghomshi – Ambassador of Iran to Ghana
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
During separate meetings with the envoys at the Credentials Hall, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding diplomatic ties with their respective countries.
In his discussion with Madam Laura Ranalli, the Italian envoy, President Mahama noted that her presentation of credentials was the first since his assumption of office on January 7. He described this as a positive sign of Ghana’s strong relations with Italy.
“Our relations have been historical, and Ghanaians hold our cooperation with Italy in high regard,” he stated.
Energy Sector Collaboration
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s ongoing partnership with Italian multinational energy company Eni. He recalled a recent meeting with Claudio Descalzi, Eni’s Chief Executive Officer, where they resolved previous challenges, paving the way for further investment.
“We have had a good partnership with Eni. Currently, almost 60% of our total gas supply for power generation comes from them, and they have the potential to increase this with the additional compartments allocated to them,” he said.
He also emphasized future collaborations between Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Eni, and other stakeholders in the upstream oil and gas sector.
Engineering, Agriculture, and Economic Growth
The President acknowledged the contributions of Italian engineering firms in Ghana, particularly in the construction of the Akosombo and Kpone Hydroelectric Dams. He expressed optimism about further cooperation in engineering and technology.
He also praised Italy’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector. Madam Ranalli noted that Bonifiche Ferraresi, Italy’s largest agricultural company, had committed to investing in Ghana by establishing model farms.
“These farms are designed to promote regenerative agriculture, develop sustainable and scalable agro-industrial value chains, enhance food security, and foster employment opportunities,” she stated.
Economic Outlook and Labour Export Policy
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s improving economic situation, noting that inflation had dropped from 54% to 22%. He also announced plans to launch a Labour Export Policy, aimed at deploying skilled Ghanaian workers abroad.
Madam Ranalli congratulated President Mahama on his electoral victory and expressed optimism about the growing cooperation between Ghana and Italy.
The meeting reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic partnerships with its international allies.
Credit: Joy News.
