Accra: Ambassador Rune Skinnebach has officially assumed office as the new Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Ghana. This comes after he presented his Letters of Credence to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House.
According to Ghana News Agency, Amb. Skinnebach previously served as EU Ambassador to Malawi, Deputy Head of Division for Pan-African Affairs at the European External Action Service in Brussels, and Head of the Political, Press and Information Section at the EU Delegation to Zambia. His diplomatic career began in 1994 at the EU Delegation to Ghana.
The new envoy takes over with a mandate to deepen Ghana-EU relations in areas of economic growth, security, sustainability, and youth development. The ceremony, which formally marked the beginning of his tenure, also saw the new envoy present his Open Letters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, before his audience with the President.
Amb. Skinnebach, a seasoned diplomat with more than two decades of service in the EU's external relations, expressed his eagerness to strengthen Ghana-EU ties. He described Ghana as a key partner of the Union in trade, political cooperation, and security. 'I look forward to further strengthening Ghana-EU relations during my four-year tenure. Ghana remains a preferred trading partner to the European Union, and our collaboration continues to deepen.,' he said.
He pledged the EU's support for Ghana's future, highlighting ongoing collaborations in youth, education, and sustainability. Amb. Skinnebach emphasized his determination to strengthen the EU's role as Ghana's key partner in security and political cooperation.
President Mahama and Ambassador Skinnebach reaffirmed the long-standing cooperation between Ghana and the EU, and highlighted shared commitments in governance, trade, and development.
