Finland’s new non-resident Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Sanna Selin, has formally presented her Letters of Credence to President John Dramani Mahama, marking the beginning of her diplomatic assignment in Ghana and opening a new chapter in the two countries’ efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The ceremony took place at Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, when President Mahama received diplomatic credentials from 11 newly accredited ambassadors and high commissioners representing their respective countries. Selin represented Finland at the ceremony, alongside envoys from South Africa, Nigeria, India, Lebanon, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Sweden and Thailand.
President Mahama used the occasion to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to building stronger international partnerships, particularly in trade, investment, technology and development. He also called on the newly accredited diplomats to identify practical areas of cooperation that could deliver benefits to their respective countries.
In his remarks, the President reiterated Ghana’s foreign policy principles of non-alignment, Pan-Africanism, good neighbourliness and economic diplomacy. He also invited the envoys to support Ghana’s priorities within the African Union as the country prepares to assume the organisation’s chairmanship in 2027.
For Finland, one of the central areas of discussion was the potential to expand cooperation beyond existing diplomatic relations into technology, industrial development and investment. President Mahama expressed appreciation for Finland’s longstanding support for Ghana and highlighted Finnish expertise in manufacturing, innovation, green technologies and digital infrastructure as areas where the two countries could develop stronger partnerships.
He also acknowledged the existing Framework Agreement between Ghana and Finland, alongside Finland’s public sector investment facility, which provides a basis for exploring further cooperation. His remarks pointed to an interest in drawing on Finland’s experience and technical capabilities to support Ghana’s development priorities.
Selin’s accreditation follows an earlier diplomatic engagement with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. On November 10, the Finnish Ambassador-designate presented her Open Letters to the minister, an initial diplomatic procedure that allows an incoming ambassador to begin certain official functions before formally presenting credentials to the President.
During that meeting, Ablakwa welcomed her appointment and identified trade, investment and sustainable mining as areas of mutual interest. He also highlighted maritime security and military cooperation as potential areas for closer engagement between the two countries. Selin reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening the relationship and advancing the areas of cooperation discussed.
The diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Finland dates back to December 1, 1977. Finland had recognised Ghana’s independence on March 8, 1957, before the two countries formally established diplomatic relations. Their engagement has since covered political dialogue, development cooperation and opportunities for economic partnership.
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The two governments also signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2022 to establish a framework for political consultations. The agreement identified areas including education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, digitalisation, information and communications technology, clean technology, circular economy, peace and security. These areas provide an established foundation for discussions about expanding cooperation.
The timing of Selin’s arrival is also significant for the relationship. Ghana and Finland will mark 50 years of formal diplomatic relations in December 2027. According to the account of her November 10 meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister, Selin identified the anniversary as an opportunity to organise activities that could strengthen the partnership, including political consultations and further engagement on trade, investment and shared interests.
With her Letters of Credence now presented, Selin formally takes up her role as Finland’s Ambassador to Ghana. The focus will be on translating the diplomatic relationship and the areas of mutual interest identified by both governments into practical cooperation, particularly in technology, investment, sustainable development and security.
For Ghana and Finland, the approaching 50th anniversary offers an opportunity to assess the progress made since 1977 and consider how their relationship can respond to the economic, technological and security priorities facing both countries.
