Ghana’s 'reset agenda' takes centre stage in Rome - A vision of prosperity, global justice

In a powerful display of diplomacy and national pride, Sir Ben B. Assorow, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Holy See and collaboration with Mona-Helen Kabuki Quartey, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Italy, marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary with a clarion call for economic transformation and international reconciliation.

Addressing a distinguished gathering of Vatican officials, diplomats, and the Ghanaian diaspora, the Ambassador outlined a bold roadmap for the nation’s future under the theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope”.

At the heart of the celebration was the introduction of the Resetting Ghana Agenda. This strategic framework, spearheaded by the governing National Democratic Congress, is designed to accelerate national development through several key pillars:

Economic Stability: Prioritising a 24-hour economy to allow private and public sectors to operate around the clock.

Integrity and Accountability: A firm commitment to fighting corruption, recovering stolen assets and enforcing higher standards in public life.

Environmental Stewardship: Confronting illegal mining with "firmness" to protect the nation’s vital land and water bodies.

Economic Diplomacy: Leveraging foreign relations to boost trade and attract significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Ambassador Assorow announced that Ghana remains a "strong voice" in international affairs, particularly within ECOWAS and the African Union. In a landmark move for 2026, Ghana will table a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly regarding the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

"This initiative is not directed against any nation; it is directed toward truth, recognition, and reconciliation," Assorow stated, noting that the resolution seeks global recognition of the enslavement of Africans as a crime against humanity.

The Ambassador paid tribute to the "longstanding relationship" between Ghana and the Holy See, which was formalised in 1975. He highlighted the invaluable contributions of the Vatican and Catholic agencies in providing essential services to Ghana in the sectors of Education, Health, and Peace-building.

The event concluded with a toast to the wellbeing of Pope Leo XIV and President John Dramani Mahama, symbolising a shared commitment to dignity, peace, and solidarity with the vulnerable.