President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new Ghana Chancery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, valued at $9.8 million.
Funding for the project was secured during his first tenure as president, with construction continuing after he left office, but later stalling under the previous NPP government.
Following his visit to the site after the 2025 AU summit, President Mahama committed additional resources to ensure the facility’s completion within a year.
According to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the cost of the project rose from over $7.5 million to $9.8 million, largely due to delays and depreciation.
Describing the chancery as “befitting” of Ghana’s status in Ethiopia, particularly as one of the founding members of the African Union, President Mahama commissioned the facility after his official engagements at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU.
He also directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ensure a similar project is completed in Brazil.
As part of broader plans, more than 70 of Ghana’s missions abroad are expected to acquire permanent facilities to reduce the burden of annual rent payments, currently estimated at $15 million.
“This will serve as our mission to Ethiopia and our permanent mission to the African Union,” President Mahama stated, adding that the project reflects the strength of Ghana–Ethiopia relations.
He commended the Ethiopian government for strengthening ties with Ghana and praised Ethiopia’s transformation, expressing appreciation to the country’s leadership.
Ablakwa lauded the contractor for patience and resilience during construction and thanked President Mahama for prioritising the Foreign Ministry in his development agenda.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister described the new edifice as enhancing Addis Ababa’s appeal and marking “a significant milestone in the relationship between our two countries.”
He added that the project embodies Ghana’s continental vision and will serve as a hub for diplomats carrying forward the proud legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, one of the African Union’s founding fathers.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Fred Duhoe
