Ghana’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Eddison Mensah Agbenyagah, officially commenced his diplomatic tour of duty after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Willem-Alexander on 4 February 2026.
The ceremony, held at the Royal Palace in The Hague, marked the formal accreditation of the Ambassador as the representative of the Republic of Ghana to the European nation. Adhering to cultural tradition, Ambassador Agbenyagah wore a Ghanaian fugu for the high-level engagement, signaling a strong representation of national identity.
The presentation of the Letters of Credence serves as the essential diplomatic protocol by which a head of state authorizes an ambassador to act on behalf of their home country in a foreign jurisdiction.
Following the ceremony, the Ambassador highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and the Netherlands, which date back to 1701. He expressed a commitment to strengthening these relations, specifically focusing on shifting the bilateral narrative from “aid to trade.”
Trade between the two nations remains a cornerstone of the relationship, with the Netherlands currently serving as one of Ghana’s top export destinations. Key areas of ongoing and future cooperation discussed include the cocoa and horticulture sectors, where Dutch technology and market access play a vital role.
Additionally, the mission aims to explore new frontiers in sustainable energy, water management, and the circular economy, aligning with Ghana’s “Ghana Beyond Aid” agenda.
Ambassador Agbenyagah’s appointment comes at a time when both nations are seeking to deepen collaboration on global security, particularly regarding the Gulf of Guinea, and to foster private-sector partnerships through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
