Finland has taken a significant step in strengthening its ties with Ghana by inaugurating an honorary consulate in Accra. This move further enhances the longstanding history of trade, investment, education, and cooperation between the two nations.
The newly established honorary consulate, situated in Accra, is under the leadership of the esteemed Professor Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia, who has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of Finland in Ghana. Prof. Kuenyehia, a distinguished lawyer, academic, and entrepreneur, brings with him extensive experience in advising foreign direct investors across Africa.
Speaking at a reception held at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra to mark the opening of the consulate, Prof. Kuenyehia emphasized the overdue nature of its establishment. He highlighted the consulate's potential to bolster trade, tourism, and educational opportunities between Finland and Ghana, as well as to support academic collaboration between universities in both countries.
Leena Pylvänäinen, Finland's Ambassador to Nigeria, concurrently accredited to Ghana, underscored the significance of Ghana as Finland's leading trading partner in West Africa. She emphasized the consulate's strategic position to enhance cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, digitalization, circular economy, education, and vocational training.
Ambassador Pylvänäinen noted the shared priorities of Finland and Ghana in multilateral cooperation, including the promotion of peace, security, democracy, human rights, and adherence to international law. She commended Ghana's contributions as a member of the UN Security Council, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
In recent years, trade and investment between Finland and Ghana have experienced substantial growth, paving the way for new partnerships and collaborations in various sectors of mutual interest. The establishment of the Honorary Consulate signifies a commitment to furthering these relations and exploring avenues for deeper cooperation.
About Prof. Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia:
Prof. Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Oxford, the University of Law (London), Ghana Law School, and the Kellogg School of Management. As the Chairman of Keystone Solicitors, a leading law firm, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Honorary Consul of Finland in Ghana. Additionally, Prof. Kuenyehia serves as a Professor of Practice at the University of Buckingham (England) and holds non-executive directorships on the boards of Access Bank Ghana Plc, Goldkey Properties, and Sentinel Asset Management Limited. He also serves as a member of the Governing Board of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) of Ghana.