Accra: Ghana has welcomed a new Country Manager for the African Development Bank (AfDB), with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressing optimism about strengthened cooperation between Ghana and the continental lender. In a Facebook post on April 19, 2026, Ablakwa announced that it was an honour to receive the open letters of the new appointee, Halima H. Hashi, and formally welcomed her to Ghana on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa highlighted the AfDB's continued role in supporting Ghana's development agenda, particularly flagship government programmes. He acknowledged the bank's support for projects including the Big Push, Feed Ghana, Eastern Corridor Road, AI initiatives, and irrigation interventions. The minister praised the AfDB's significant investment footprint in the country, noting its current investment portfolio of about US$1.3 billion in active projects.
Ablakwa further assured the new Country Manager of President John Dramani Mahama's continued support for the institution, particularly in advancing Africa's financial independence agenda. He stated that President Mahama would continue to offer his guidance as the African Union Champion for African Financial Institutions, focusing on financial sovereignty and retention of African reserves to finance infrastructure deficits on the continent.
Ablakwa concluded by extending a warm welcome to the new AfDB representative, wishing her a successful and transformative tenure in Ghana.