The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, 10th February 2026, hosted Members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Presidency for the annual exchange of New Year greetings.

In his address, President Mahama conveyed warm wishes through the envoys to their respective Heads of State and Governments, as well as to the people of their countries, for a prosperous 2026.

He underscored the enduring importance of diplomacy, describing it as the most credible pathway for dialogue, cooperation and collective global action.

He reaffirmed that Ghana’s foreign policy remains anchored in democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and inclusive, sustainable development, adding that Ghana stands ready to contribute meaningfully to a just, stable and prosperous international order.

Highlighting progress on the domestic front, the President noted strides made in restoring macroeconomic stability, pointing to fiscal discipline that has helped reduce inflation, stabilise the national currency and improve the trade balance.

He outlined key initiatives under his administration, including the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, the Big Push Infrastructure Agenda, the 24-Hour Economy policy and the Mahama Cares Programme, all aimed at driving sustainable economic growth.

On bilateral relations, President Mahama revealed that Ghana has signed several labour mobility agreements and secured visa waiver arrangements with a number of countries to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Reaffirming Ghana’s belief in “African solutions to African problems,” he emphasised the country’s commitment to regional integration and good neighbourliness.

He pledged to leverage his roles as African Union Champion for Gender and Development Issues, African Union Financial Institutions, and Reparations to advance Pan-African ideals. The President also announced Ghana’s intention to table a resolution at the United Nations seeking recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity, and called on the international community to support its adoption.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed appreciation to the Diplomatic Corps for their continued partnership and engagement, describing their work as a vital bridge between Ghana and the international community. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to good neighbourliness, regional integration, economic diplomacy, multilateralism and South–South cooperation as key pillars for advancing national development and shared global prosperity. He also highlighted Ghana’s leadership within the African Union in promoting empowerment, financial sovereignty, health sovereignty, and regional security cooperation.

In her remarks, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil, congratulated Ghana on its peaceful democratic transition and described the country as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

She commended Ghana’s active diplomacy at multilateral fora and its strategic high-level engagements that have strengthened partnerships.

Ambassador Ouaadil also praised Ghana’s leadership in promoting regional peace and security, as well as its humanitarian support to Palestine, Cuba, Jamaica and Sudan.

She assured the government of the Diplomatic Corps’ continued support in advancing Ghana’s development priorities and deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Among those present at the ceremony were the Vice President of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Members of the Council of State, Ministers of State, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, as well as traditional and religious leaders.