- her reflections on diplomatic triumphs and strengthening ties with Ghana
As Ambassador Dr. Ozlem Ergun Ulueren completes her term in Ghana, it is an opportune moment to reflect on her experiences and achievements as the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana.
Ghana and Türkiye have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1958, and the two countries have shared a history of cultural, economic, and social ties. Ambassador Ulueren’s tenure as Ambassador has been marked by notable achievements in various sectors such as education, trade, and investment.
Ambassador Ulueren shares her general impressions about her time in Ghana and the highlights of her time as Ambassador to Ghana. She also discusses the key sectors where Ghana and Türkiye can do more to expand their economic relations. As a diplomat with extensive experience in international relations, Ambassador Ulueren brings unique insights into the challenges and opportunities in Ghana-Türkiye relations.
During her tenure, Ambassador Ulueren has worked hard to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Türkiye through various initiatives. Notable capacity building projects were successfully undertaken in Ghana under her watch. She also facilitated the establishment of Turkish companies in Ghana, creating employment opportunities for Ghanaians and contributing to the growth of the Ghanaian economy. Commissioning of the incredible National Mosque which is a perpetual symbol of brotherhood between the two peoples is among the highlights of her tenure.
This interview article provides an opportunity to gain insight into the dynamics of Ghana-Türkiye relations, and the role of the Turkish Embassy in Ghana. Ambassador Ulueren’s reflections on her time in Ghana, the highlights of her tenure, and the areas where more work needs to be done to enhance economic cooperation, provide valuable insights into the future of Ghana- Türkiye relations.
Overall, this interview article serves as a tribute to Ambassador Ulueren’s remarkable service as the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana and highlights the importance of building bridges between the two nations to foster mutual understanding and prosperity.
Aboagye Mintah,founder of turkafriq.com. had a chat with the outgoing Ambassador. We present thee full text of the interview
- Kindly give us a quick summary of what your general experience has been like in Ghana for the last 4 years.
Ghana has been my home for the last 4 years. Ever since I set foot in the country, I have been received everywhere with such warmth and kindness, which is a true reflection of the good people of Ghana. It was a privilege to collaborate with Ghanaian authorities, institutions, counterparts, and businesses to elevate even higher the friendly relations between Türkiye and Ghana. Through this exemplary collegiality, we achieved together the mission to strengthen and deepen the ties between our two countries on a win-win principle and mutually beneficial basis. I will leave this wonderful country knowing that the seed of friendship between Türkiye and Ghana will keep flourishing, and I was lucky to nurture it during my tenure.
- What has been the highlights of your term so far?
I am happy to say that, over the course of my tenure, there have been many highlights on Türkiye-Ghana bilateral relations. The pinnacle was definitely the visit by our Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Çavuşoğlu and the meeting between him and Honorable Minister Botchwey. Honorable Minister Botchwey’s visit to Türkiye in January 2020 was of particular importance too, as it was the first ever visit from Ghana to Türkiye at the Foreign Minister level. Furthermore, I think the official opening ceremony of the Ghana National Mosque was also very special. It stands as an unmistakable symbol of goodwill and brotherhood between our two peoples. We were honored by the presence of H.E. President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, at the ceremony and the visit of Mr. Ali Erbaş, President of Religious Affairs of Türkiye. Last but not the least, when a Turkish vessel named PAKSOY was attacked off the coast of Nigeria by pirates in July 2019, Ghanaian Navy escorted the ship to safety at Tema Port. This act of solidarity by our valuable partner Ghana has received much appreciation and will be remembered.
- Which key sectors will you recommend both countries work harder on together to do more in as your term draws to an end?
Both countries are working hard to pave new avenues of cooperation in various sectors but I believe there is more to be done in security/defense, energy/renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. We already have a strong basis in many of these areas. Türkiye-Ghana 5th Joint Economic Commission meeting, held in June 2022 enabled discussions on the entirety of our economic ties. I am confident that in the upcoming period, Turkish and Ghanaian businesses will forge new partnerships in these key sectors.
- Türkiye-Ghana trade volume looks promising. What must both countries do to escalate the level of trade further between the two countries?
Ghana has always been among the biggest Sub-Saharan trade partners of Türkiye. As we speak, the bilateral trade volume in 2022 stands at 528 million USD. Our target, set by H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his visit to Ghana in 2016, is to reach 1 billion USD in bilateral trade. I sincerely trust the power of our cooperation to make this happen soon. I am glad to see that increasing number of Ghanaian importer’s supplier of choice are Turkish companies. There is good traffic between traders in Türkiye and Ghana. We would like to build on this momentum to reach our 1 billion USD bilateral trade target. I think this will also be possible by facilitating trade even more than present between Turkish and Ghanaian goods and services. We are ready to discuss further opportunities to that end. I am confident that the completion of the legal framework concerning Türkiye-Ghana commercial relations will also reflect favorably on our bilateral trade numbers.
- What is the level of interest among Turkish manufacturers to set up plants here for local manufacturing to take advantage of the AfCFTA, and what more can we do to attract more of these investors?
Turkish manufacturers are highly interested in the Ghanaian market and are attracted to the investment environment it provides. Our manufacturing companies could be valuable partners in Ghana’s flagship projects and assist in achieving the “Ghana Beyond Aid” vision of the Government of Ghana. Türkiye is well aware of the opportunities brought by the AfCFTA market and is ready to support the Secretariat in the implementation of the agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation was signed between the Turkish Ministry of Trade and the AfCFTA Secretariat during the Türkiye-Africa 3rd Partnership Summit, held in Istanbul in December 2021. To attract more businesses from Türkiye, I believe it would serve well to increase business-to-business contacts and arrange reciprocal visits. We are expecting a prominent business delegation to Accra during the last week of March.
- How is the engagement between Türkiye and Ghana in the field of education?
Empowerment of human capital stands as one of anchors of our approach to the Continent. More than 500 Ghanaian students have been granted Türkiye Scholarships. Hundreds of Ghanaian students are currently studying at Turkish universities. These students are, in a way, human bridges that build an ever-lasting connection between the two countries.
TİKA, our cooperation agency, has particularly carried out projects in the field of education as part of our development cooperation with Ghana. Soon, we will open a 3D and Robotics Studio at Tamale Technical University, a project carried out by TİKA. We attach high importance to technical and vocational training in the development efforts of the continent. To that end, we recently opened sewing and ICT classrooms for TVET activities to be run by MUSWIT in Accra.
Establishment of the Turkish Maarif Foundation in 2016 constituted an important step forward in strengthening cooperation in education between Türkiye and the Continent. The aim of the Foundation is to provide educational services abroad on behalf of Türkiye. Maarif Foundation continues to provide such services in 25 African countries with 200 institutions. Accra Maarif International School was opened in 2019 and is expanding operations.
- What will you miss the most about living and working in Ghana?
I will sorely miss the kind-hearted and inspiring people of Ghana and all the great memories I have made here with them. The beautiful nature of the country will be forever in my mind. The unique and diverse culture of Ghana, the hospitality and creativity of the Ghanaian people have left their impressionable mark on me. I will also miss working with my team at the Embassy.
