Ghana-Austria relations boosted with new embassy in Accra

Sep 18, 2024 - 13:18
Ghana-Austria relations boosted with new embassy in Accra
Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey being assisted by Mr Alexander Schallenberg to cut the tape for the official opening of the embassy Photo: Victor A. Buxton

Accra, Ghana - Ghana and Austria have solidified their bilateral relations with the inauguration of the new Austrian Embassy in Accra.

This significant milestone promises to elevate diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Jackson Alexander Schallenberg, hailed Ghana as a "beacon of stability, possibility, opportunity, and optimism" during the embassy's opening ceremony.

He emphasized the importance of fostering people-to-people, economic, and trade partnerships.

“The first time that Austria is having an embassy here and I believe it’s a big sign of mutual commitment, trust and development,” he said.

“So I believe we can benefit mutually a lot from strengthening our relationship. We are both not enormous countries, or world pow­ers but I believe we have a very important voice to add on this planet."

“We are bringing our bilateral relations to a new level,” he emphasized, thanking Ghana for the “extremely promising friendship," he added.

The embassy, located in Osu, is set to facilitate stronger relationships and cooperation in areas such as:


- Development
- Mobility
- Migration
- Labor market access
- Health
- Education
- Natural resources

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, welcomed the embassy's opening, encouraging Austrian businesses to capitalize on Ghana's access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its vast market.

“The fact that we have influential Gha­naian businesses and representatives from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat joining us today is a testament to the vast potential for investment and growth in Ghana,” she said.

Present at the event was Mr Thomas Schlesinger, Ambassador of Austria to Ghana.

This strengthened partnership is poised to drive growth, create jobs, and unlock new opportunities for both nations, solidifying Ghana and Austria's commitment to mutual prosperity.

Source: Lead News Online