President William Ruto hosted a formal farewell ceremony at State House in Nairobi to honor Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, His Excellency Damptey Bediako Asare, marking the end of his diplomatic mission in the country.
During the event on Tuesday, August 26, President Ruto highlighted the strong partnership and cooperative spirit that exists between Kenya and Ghana. He noted that the two nations have worked closely on both regional and continental matters, strengthening mutual ties over the years.
“Kenya-Ghana diplomatic relations are strong, cordial, and dynamic, tracing back to the pre-independence era and the enduring collaboration between the founding fathers of our two countries,” President Ruto said.
He also reflected on the progress made in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges during Ambassador Asare’s tenure.
The President pointed out the significance of the memoranda of understanding signed between Nairobi and Accra under Asare’s leadership. “The relationship between our peoples has been further strengthened by five state visits on both sides, expanded air connectivity through Kenya Airways, and the ongoing plans to make Accra a key hub for our airline in West Africa,” he added.
President Ruto also emphasized that cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, tourism, education, as well as science and technology, is underpinned by various agreements that have fostered closer collaboration between the two nations.
Ambassador Asare’s Tenure
Ambassador Asare’s time in Kenya began in September 2021 when he officially assumed his duties. He presented his Letters of Credence to then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, beginning a mission that also included accreditation to Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
His posting in Nairobi held special significance because he also served as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), both headquartered in the Kenyan capital.
Ambassador Asare is expected to formally conclude his duties and leave Kenya in the coming days. While no official announcement has been made about his successor, it is anticipated that a new envoy will be appointed in the near future.
Departure of British High Commissioner
Ambassador Asare’s departure coincides with that of Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, who has also confirmed he will leave at the end of August.
Wigan, who assumed the role in 2023, is set to return to London to take up a new position as Director General of Strategy and Delivery at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Reflecting on his two-year tenure in Kenya, Wigan expressed his regret at leaving. “I am extremely sorry to be leaving Kenya after an eventful two years.
The Kenya-UK partnership has grown stronger than ever, spanning trade, investment, technology, innovation, and cultural links, benefiting both our countries and peoples,” he said.
During his stay, Wigan played a key role in signing numerous strategic partnerships between Kenya and the United Kingdom, further cementing the bilateral relationship and promoting collaboration in multiple sectors.
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