The Embassy of Ukraine has started working in the Ghanaian capital Accra. The opening of the new diplomatic mission took place in pursuance of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's order to expand Ukraine's diplomatic presence in Africa, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said.
"Last year, the president set the Ukrainian diplomatic service the task of opening new embassies in Africa. I am pleased to announce that the first of them has already started working in Ghana. We will continue to open the next ones. This is part of our strategy to develop relations with African countries, the Ukrainian-African renaissance, and to counter Russian influence in the world. Expanding our diplomatic presence will also open up new opportunities for the Ukrainian state, business and citizens," the minister said.
Until an ambassador is appointed, the Ukrainian embassy in Ghana will be represented by the chargé d'affaires. The institution will carry out all its functions: develop political contacts, strengthen economic ties, and provide consular services for Ukrainians and Ghanaians.
According to Kuleba, the next countries where Ukraine plans to open its embassies are Rwanda, Mozambique, and Botswana. In total, Ukraine plans to open 10 new embassies in Africa.