President John Dramani Mahama has bid farewell to the outgoing ambassadors of Angola, Malta and France, commending them for their roles in deepening bilateral ties and advancing economic cooperation with Ghana.
Receiving the envoys separately at The Presidency, President Mahama highlighted opportunities for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, energy, and security, and thanked the diplomats for their service.
The first to call was Angola’s outgoing ambassador, João Domingos Baptista Quiosa, who concluded a four-year tour in Ghana.
He traced Ghana–Angola relations to 1959, recalling how President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, through liberation networks, supported Angola’s struggle for independence.
Ambassador Baptista Quiosa noted that with Ghana’s support, Angola has expanded large-scale cocoa cultivation and that many Angolan students now study in Ghana.
President Mahama called for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing, particularly in oil and gas and renewable energy.
Malta’s outgoing ambassador, Jean Claude Galea Mallia, who served in Ghana for more than seven years, described his departure as deeply emotional, citing strong personal experiences.
He said Malta would continue to partner with Ghana, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and pointed to rapid growth in trade. He also noted that Ghana now ranks fifth among Malta’s export destinations after the United States.
President Mahama said ongoing reforms aim to position Ghana as a business hub for the subregion.
“Ghana alone cannot fully leverage the investment opportunities available and is ready to partner with others to tap the huge potential,” he added.
France’s outgoing ambassador, Jules Armand Aniambossou, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Ghana, noting that the number of French companies operating locally has risen to 60.
He called for an even more conducive business environment, stating that France is investing over €2 million to build the capacity of entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry and more than €90 million in Feed Ghana initiatives in the northern belt.
Ambassador Aniambossou served in Ghana for two years.
President Mahama thanked France for its continued support and said Ghana hopes to draw on French expertise in aviation to enhance Ghana Air Force training and safety, especially following the recent helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
As a symbolic gesture marking their service and ties with Ghana, President Mahama presented the envoys with stools and kente sashes.
