Ghana has taken a major step towards resolving a decades-long diplomatic matter with the Holy See following Cabinet’s approval of a Host Country Agreement governing relations between the two parties.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development after meeting the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Mr Ablakwa said the approval followed sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Apostolic Nunciature to address an agreement that had remained pending since Ghana established formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
The first Apostolic Nuncio arrived in Ghana in 1976, but the Host Country Agreement had yet to be finalised.
The agreement, which is consistent with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, sets out the framework governing relations between Ghana and the Holy See. It also provides for specific rights, privileges and immunities for holders of ecclesiastical office and members of the Catholic faithful in Ghana.
Mr Ablakwa expressed satisfaction with the progress, commending officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for working to meet the target set for the agreement.
In a post on X, he also acknowledged the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama and the Attorney-General to resolving the matter.
Cabinet’s approval clears the way for the agreement to be submitted to Parliament for ratification in accordance with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also recognised the Catholic Church’s longstanding contribution to Ghana’s development, particularly in education and healthcare.
He said the country remained grateful for the Church’s role in shaping its moral values and establishing institutions that have contributed to national development across multiple sectors.
The agreement is expected to formalise important aspects of the relationship between Ghana and the Holy See, subject to parliamentary ratification.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe