Embassy of Ghana to the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia

On May 25, 2026, His Excellency Dr. Ken Abotsi joined a vibrant celebration of Africa Day at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. This year's theme, "63 Years of African Unity, Integration, and Development," highlighted the journey and future aspirations of the organization over the past five decades.

During the event, H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera, Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, praised Ghana's President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, for successfully advocating for reparations at the United Nations.

The celebration was enriched by cultural displays, a lively bazaar, and engaging cultural activities that brought together people from various backgrounds, showcasing the continent's rich heritage and unity.

On May 19, 2026, His Excellency Dr. Ken Abotsi, Acting Head of Mission, led a team from the Embassy to attend the opening session of the 12th Forum of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) , which is taking place from 19th to 20th May 2026* , at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This year's forum focused on the pressing theme: "Challenges of Implementing International Environmental Law and Water Resources Management in Africa."

Chaired by Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto, Chairperson for the 12th AUCIL Forum and Deputy Head of Mission at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., the event assembled AU Member States, civil society organizations and scholars deeply committed to tackling environmental challenges across the continent.

Dr. Abotsi chaired a session that examined the “Governance of Water and the Right to a Healthy Environment”.
Dekadzefia Komla Edudzi Abotsi

14 and 15 May, 2026, Key institutional heads in Ethiopia acknowledged the significant work of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Robert Afriyie in promoting Ghana's diplomatic relations, when he paid respective farewell courtesy calls upon the completion of his tour of duty as Ghana's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Ethiopian President, H.E. Taye Atske Selassie commended Ambassador Afriyie for having worked assiduously to enhance bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Ghana, including overseeing the successful completion of the construction of a new Chancery for the Embassy of Ghana in Ethiopia. He also remarked on Ambassador Afriyie's germane role in enhancing trade and economic bilateral relations during his tenure.

AU Commission Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf extolled the very strong and constructive engagement of Ambassador Afriyie in the work of the AU, including as: Chairman the Structures Committee; Chairman the Ambassadorial Committee on the Implementation of Agenda 2063; and as 3rd Vice Chair (2024), 2nd Vice Chair (2025) and 1st Vice Chair (2026) of the AU Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC), as well as his pivotal role in galvanizing Member States' support for the February 2026 AU Assembly decision which served as the springboard for the Leader for Reparative Justice, President John D. Mahama, to successfully table a resolution on the matter at the UN General Assembly in New York. This, he said, is reassuring of Ghana's renowned commitment to Pan-Africanism. He awarded Ambassador Afriyie with an AU Certificate of Distinguished Service and also presented him with a plaque of the Union.

The UNECA Executive Secretary, H.E. Glaver Gatete, expressed pleasure at the diligence with which Ambassador Afriyie had executed his representative functions with the ECA, and said he hoped that this serve as an enduring major building block for enhancing the engagement of the ECA with Ghana.

The Chair of the AU PRC, H.E. Ambassador W***y Nyamitwe of the Republic of Burundi, organized a farewell reception of PRC members where he indicated that, both as his 1st Vice Chair and an influential member of the African and wider diplomatic corps, Ambassador Dr. Afriyie had proven a veritable force in pursuing his national interest while deftly navigating the nuances of international affairs arena to the admiration of his peers. An example was Dr. Afriyie's role in the successful adoption of the AU Decision and subsequent UN resolution on reparations in respect of Trans-Atlantic Enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. Ambassador Afriyie was presented with a plaque of recognition of his constructive role in the PRC by Ambassador Nyamitwe.
Economic Commission for Africa
African Union

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, a heartfelt farewell took place at the Ghana Embassy in Ethiopia as staff and members of the Ghanaian community gathered to honor H.E. Dr. Robert Afriyie, the Ambassador of Ghana to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

During the farewell, Dr. Ken Abotsi, the Deputy Head of Mission, shared warm words on behalf of the staff, expressing deep gratitude for Dr. Afriyie’s remarkable leadership and unwavering support.

He highlighted the lasting legacy that Dr. Afriyie leaves behind and acknowledged how effectively he served the community, leaving a significant mark and a strong sense of community and purpose.
The gathering was a touching reminder of the bonds formed and the difference one dedicated leader can make in the lives of many.

Dekadzefia Komla Edudzi Abotsi
Iddrisu Tahiru
Joseph Duah Ofosu-Appiah

On May 9, 2026, Ambassador Dr. Robert Afriyie joined an engaging panel discussion titled "Ghana and Ethiopia: Why This Connection Matters Now" at the ongoing vibrant Ghana Month celebration in Ethiopia, hosted at the Kuriftu African Village. He expressed pride in the deep-rooted relationship between Ghana and Ethiopia, noting that the two countries have historically led the charge for Pan-Africanism, and are still well positioned to lead the modern day Pan-Africanism shaped by enhanced intra-African trade and tourism.

Dr. Afriyie passionately recalled the visionary ideals of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for a unified Africa with a single market, a Common African High Command, and the celebration of African culture. He challenged everyone present to move beyond mere discussions and recognize the urgent need for tangible action in these areas.

In closing, he invited both nations to seize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost trade between them, built on an African collaborative spirit for a brighter future.

8 May, 2026, Mr. Rex Omar, Director of the Black Star Experience, from the Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Dr. Robert Afriyie at the Embassy of Ghana in Addis Ababa, upon his arrival in the host country to participate in the launch of the first Ghana Month observation in Ethiopia.
Rex Omar
Dekadzefia Komla Edudzi Abotsi
Ralph Apetorgbor

4 May, 2026, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama engages with H.E. Ambassador Dr. Robert Afriyie during the President’s stopover in Addis Ababa.