Philippines to open first embassy in Ghana this year, Ablakwa says

Pinned summary · as of 04:22

The Philippines intends to set up its first embassy in Ghana before 2026 ends, according to Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He described the plan after meeting the Philippine foreign secretary, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly.

What we know

• Mr Ablakwa said the Philippines will establish a diplomatic mission in Ghana later this year, which would be the first in the history of relations between the two states.
• The minister held talks with Ms Lazaro, Manila's top diplomat, in New York during the UN General Assembly, and said he praised Manila for its decision to open the mission.
• Mr Ablakwa said both governments agreed to expand trade and investment ties, organise business fora in each country and found a joint chamber of commerce.
• He added that Ghana and the Philippines will share experience and expertise on labour mobility agreements.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  Opemsuo 104.7 reported that Mr Ablakwa invited Ms Lazaro to visit Ghana and expects to host her soon. Graphic Online did not mention the invitation, and no date has been given.

Why it matters for Ghana

A resident Philippine embassy in Accra would give Ghanaian firms and officials a permanent local contact for dealings with Manila. The planned business fora and chamber of commerce signal an effort to widen trade and investment between the two countries. Talks on labour mobility may interest Ghanaians and Filipinos who work abroad, although no agreement has been announced.